Prodrugs of NAALAdase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to prodrugs of NAALADase inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of using the same to treat glutamate abnormalities and prostate diseases.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/863,624, filed May 27, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,180 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/858,985, filed May 27, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,344, each of which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/665,776, filed Jun. 17, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,592, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/775,586, filed Dec. 31, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,877, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/778,733, filed Dec. 31, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,536.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to prodrugs of NAALADase inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of using the same to treat glutamate abnormalities and prostate diseases.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Glutamate Abnormalities

Glutamate serves as the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) Neurons release glutamate in great quantities when they are deprived of oxygen, as may occur during an ischemic brain insult such as a stroke or a heart attack. This excess release of glutamate in turn causes over-stimulation (excitotoxicity) of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), AMPA, Kainate and MGR receptors. When glutamate binds to these receptors, ion channels in the receptors open, permitting flows of ions across their cell membranes, e.g., Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ into the cells and K⁺ out of the cells. These flows of ions, especially the influx of Ca²⁺, cause over-stimulation of the neurons. The over-stimulated neurons secrete more glutamate, creating a domino-effect which ultimately results in cell death via the production of proteases, lipases and free radicals.

Excessive activation of glutamate receptors has been implicated in various neurological diseases and conditions, including epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease, schizophrenia, chronic pain, ischemia and neuronal loss following hypoxia, hypoglycemia, ischemia, trauma, and nervous insult. Recent studies have also advanced a glutamatergic basis for compulsive disorders, particularly drug dependence.

As an example, neurophysiological and pathological effects of ethanol have been found to be mediated through the glutamatergic system. Specifically, acute exposure to ethanol disrupts glutamatergic neurotransmission by inhibiting ion flow through channels in glutamate receptors, whereas chronic exposure up-regulates the number of glutamate receptors and thereby increases ion flow. Acute withdrawal from ethanol results in hyperexcitability and seizures in the presence of up-regulated channels, thereby making postsynaptic neurons vulnerable to excitotoxic damage.

Post mortem examinations of histologically normal brains from alcoholics have shown that chronic alcoholism moderately increases the density of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors in the frontal cortex. This up-regulation may represent a stage of ethanol-induced chronic neurotoxicity. As such, neurobiological effects of alcoholism, including intoxication, withdrawal seizures, delirium tremens, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome, can be understood as a spectrum of the consequences of ethanol's effect on the glutamatergic system. In this regard, alcoholism may be considered another member of the expanding family of glutamate-related neurological disorders.

The glutamatergic system has also been implicated in the behavioral effects of other abused drugs. For example, studies have shown that glutamatergic antagonists block motor-stimulating activities induced by amphetamine and cocaine, and glutamatergic agonists cause the same stereotypy as that produced by amphetamine. These results represent pharmacological evidence that the expression of the stereotypic effect of psychomotor stimulants involves the glutamatergic system.

Epidemiologic studies have revealed a strong correlation between drug dependence and other compulsive disorders Additionally, a common genetic anomaly has been found among people with alcoholism, cocaine dependence, nicotine dependence, pathological gambling, attention deficit disorder (ADD), Tourette's syndrome, compulsive overeating and obesity. Such disorders are believed to be manifestations of the effects of excitotoxicity.

Attempts to prevent excitotoxicity by blocking NMDA, AMPA, Kainate and MGR receptors have proven difficult because each receptor has multiple sites to which glutamate may bind. Many of the compositions that are effective in blocking the receptors are also toxic to animals. As such, there is currently no known effective treatment for glutate abnormalities.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the leading form of cancer and the second leading cause of death from cancer for men in the United States. The American Cancer Society has estimated that in 1996 alone, 317,100 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed and 41,400 deaths were caused by prostate cancer. The incidence rate of prostate cancer increased 65% between 1980 and 1990, and will continue to rise with improved screening tests and longer life expectancies. While most men used to die of other illnesses before prostate cancer had a chance to develop, higher prostate cancer mortality rates are expected as men live longer and the disease has more time to progress.

In 1993, the molecular cloning of Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) was reported as a potential prostate carcinoma marker and hypothesized to serve as a target for imaging and cytotoxic treatment modalities for prostate cancer. PSMA antibodies, particularly indium-111 labelled and itrium labelled PSMA antibodies, have been described and examined clinically for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. PSMA is expressed in prostatic ductal epithelium and is present in seminal plasma, prostatic fluid and urine. In 1996, it was found that the expression of PSMA cDNA confers the activity of NAALADase.

NAALADase Inhibitors

NAAG and NAALADase have been implicated in several human and animal pathological conditions. For example, it has been demonstrated that intra-hippocampal injections of NAAG elicit prolonged seizure activity. More recently, it was reported that rats genetically prone to epileptic seizures have a persistent increase in their basal level of NAALADase activity. These observations support the hypothesis that increased availability of synaptic glutamate elevates seizure susceptibility, and suggest that NAALADase inhibitors may provide anti-epileptic activity.

NAAG and NAALADase have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS and in the pathologically similar animal disease called Hereditary Canine Spinal Muscular Atrophy (HCSMA). It has been shown that concentrations of NAAG and its metabolites—NAA, glutamate and aspartate—are elevated two- to three-fold in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients and HCSMA dogs. Additionally, NAALADase activity is significantly increased (two- to three-fold) in post-mortem spinal cord tissue from ALS patients and HCSMA dogs. As such, NAALADase inhibitors may be clinically useful in curbing the progression of ALS if increased metabolism of NAAG is responsible for the alterations of CSF levels of these acidic amino acids and peptides.

Abnormalities in NAAG levels and NAALADase activity have also been documented in post-mortem schizophrenic brain, specifically in the prefrontal and limbic brain regions.

The findings described above suggest that NAALADase inhibitors could be useful in treating glutamate abnormalities. In fact, the results of studies conducted by the inventors confirm that NAALADase inhibitors are effective in treating glutamate abnormalities (particularly stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord injury, alcoholism and nicotine dependence), as well as prostate diseases (particularly prostate cancer).

While a few NAALADase inhibitors have been identified, they have only been used in non-clinical research. Examples of such inhibitors include general metallopeptidase inhibitors such as o-phenanthroline, metal chelators such as EGTA and EDTA, and peptide analogs such as quisqualic acid and β-NAAG. Accordingly, a need exists for new NAALADase inhibitors, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods using such new and known NAALADase inhibitors to treat glutamate abnormalities and prostate diseases. Furthermore, there is a need for prodrugs of such NAALADase inhibitors to optimize pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor.

In a preferred embodiment, the NAALADase inhibitor is a glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein:

X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅;

R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar;

R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo;

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar;

Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.

In another preferred embodiment, the prodrug is a compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein:

X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O;

R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂;

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂;

R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂;

R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo;

Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising:

(i) an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor; and

(ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The present invention also relates to a method of treating a glutamate abnormality in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of treating a compulsive disorder, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to a patient in need thereof.

Finally, the present invention relates to a method of treating a prostate disease in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bar graph plotting in vitro toxicity of ischemic insult (potassium cyanide and 2-deoxyglucose) against various doses of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid with which cortical cell cultures were treated.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph plotting in vitro toxicity against various doses of NAAG to which cortical cell cultures were exposed.

FIG. 3 is a bar graph plotting in vitro toxicity following treatment with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid, against various doses of NAAG to which cortical cell cultures were exposed.

FIG. 4 is a bar graph plotting in vitro toxicity of ischemic insult against various times at which cortical cell cultures were treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid.

FIG. 5 is a bar graph plotting in vivo cortical injury volume against various doses of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid with which rats were treated after sustaining middle cerebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 6 is a bar graph plotting in vivo total brain infarct volume of rats against various times at which the rats are treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid after sustaining middle cerebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 7 is a bar graph plotting in vivo extracellular glutamate increases in the striatum of rats treated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid after sustaining middle cerebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 8 is a bar graph plotting in vivo extracellular glutamate increases in the parietal cortex of rats treated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid after sustaining middle cerebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 9 is a bar graph plotting in vivo extracellular glutamate increases in the frontal cortex of rats treated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid after sustaining middle cerebral artery occlusion.

FIG. 10(a) is a photomicrograph of mouse sciatic nerve treated with a vehicle following cryolesion.

FIG. 10(b) is a photomicrograph of mouse sciatic nerve treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid following cryolesion.

FIG. 11 is a bar graph plotting percent striatal TH innervation density against the treatment of mice with vehicle alone, vehicle following MPTP, or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid following MPTP.

FIG. 12 is a bar graph plotting the neurological function code against the treatment of rats with dynorphin A alone or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid with dynorphin A.

FIG. 13 is a bar graph plotting the CHAT activity of rat spinal cord organotypic cultures against the treatment of the cultures with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid alone, threohydroxyaspartate (THA) alone, or THA with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid.

FIG. 14 is a bar graph plotting the CHAT activity of rat spinal cord organotypic cultures against various doses of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid with which the cultures were treated in the presence of THA.

FIG. 15 is a bar graph plotting the ethanol intake of alcohol-preferring rats against various doses of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid with which the rats were treated.

FIG. 16 is a graph plotting the cumulative nicotine intake of rats during a 1 hour test session, before which the rats had been trained to self-administer nicotine and pretreated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid.

FIG. 17 is a graph plotting the cumulative food intake of rats during a 1 hour test session, before which the rats had been trained to self-administer nicotine and pretreated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid.

FIG. 18 is a bar graph plotting in vitro cancer cell growth against various doses of quisqualic acid with which LNCAP cells were treated.

FIG. 19 is a bar graph plotting in vitro cancer cell growth against various doses of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid with which LNCAP cells were treated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

“Attention Deficit Disorder” refers to a disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate inattention and impulsivity, with or without hyperactivity. Inattention means a failure to finish tasks started, easy distractibility, seeming lack of attention, and difficulty concentrating on tasks requiring sustained attention. Impulsivity means acting before thinking, difficulty taking turns, problems organizing work, and constant shifting from one activity to another. Hyperactivity means difficulty staying seated and sitting still, and running or climbing excessively.

“Compound 3” refers to 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (PMPA).

“Compulsive disorder” refers to any disorder characterized by irresistible impulsive behavior. Examples of compulsive disorders include without limitation drug dependence, eating disorders, pathological gambling, ADD and Tourette's syndrome.

“Drug dependence” refers to a psychologic addiction or a physical tolerance to a drug. Tolerance means a need to increase the dose progressively in order to produce the effect originally achieved by smaller amounts.

“Eating disorder” refers to compulsive overeating, obesity or severe obesity. obesity means body weight of 20% over standard height-weight tables. Severe obesity means over 100% overweight.

“Glutamate abnormality” refers to any disease, disorder or condition in which glutamate is implicated, including pathological conditions involving elevated levels of glutamate. Examples of glutamate abnormalities include epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease, schizophrenia, chronic pain, ischemia, neuronal insult and compulsive disorders.

“Glutamate modulator” refers to any composition of matter which alone or in combination with another agent affects the level of glutamate in an animal.

“Inhibition”, in the context of enzymes, refers to reversible enzyme inhibition such as competitive, uncompetitive and non-competitive inhibition. Competitive, uncompetitive and non-competitive inhibition can be distinguished by the effects of an inhibitor on the reaction kinetics of an enzyme. Competitive inhibition occurs when the inhibitor combines reversibly with the enzyme in such a way that it competes with a normal substrate for binding at the active site. The affinity between the inhibitor and the enzyme may be measured by the inhibitor constant, K_(i), which is defined as: $K_{i} = \frac{\lbrack E\rbrack \lbrack I\rbrack}{\lbrack{EI}\rbrack}$

wherein [E] is the concentration of the enzyme, [I] is the concentration of the inhibitor, and [EI] is the concentration of the enzyme-inhibitor complex formed by the reaction of the enzyme with the inhibitor. Unless otherwise specified, K_(i) as used herein refers to the affinity between the inventive compounds and NAALADase. “IC₅₀” is a related term used to define the concentration or amount of a compound which is required to cause a 50% inhibition of the target enzyme.

“Ischemia” refers to localized tissue anemia due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood. Global ischemia occurs when blood flow to the entire brain ceases for a period of time, such as may result from cardiac arrest. Focal ischemia occurs when a portion of the brain is deprived of its normal blood supply, such as may result from thromboembolytic occlusion of a cerebral vessel, traumatic head injury, edema or brain tumor. Even if transient, both global and focal ischemia can produce widespread neuronal damage. Although nerve tissue damage occurs over hours or even days following the onset of ischemia, some permanent nerve tissue damage may develop in the initial minutes following cessation of blood flow to the brain. Much of this damage is attributed to glutamate toxicity and secondary consequences of reperfusion of the tissue, such as the release of vasoactive products by damaged endothelium, and the release of cytotoxic products, such as free radicals and leukotrienes, by the damaged tissue.

“Isomers” refer to compounds having the same number and kind of atoms, and hence the same molecular weight, but differing in respect to the arrangement or configuration of the atoms. “Stereoisomers” are isomers that differ only in the arrangement of the atoms in space. “Enantiomers” are a pair of stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other. “Diastereoisomers” are stereoisomers which are not mirror images of each other. “Racemic mixture” means a mixture containing equal parts of individual enantiomers. “Non-racemic mixture” is a mixture containing unequal parts of individual enantiomers or stereoisomers.

“NAAG” refers to N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate, an important peptide component of the brain, with levels comparable to the major inhibitor neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). NAAG is neuron-specific, present in synaptic vesicles and released upon neuronal stimulation in several systems presumed to be glutamatergic. Studies suggest that NAAG may function as a neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator in the central nervous system, or as a precursor of the neurotransmitter glutamate.

“NAALADase” refers to N-acetylated α-linked acidic dipeptidase, a membrane-bound metallopeptidase which catabolizes NAAG to N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and glutamate:

NAALADase shows a high affinity for NAAG with a Km of 540 Nm. If NAAG is a bioactive peptide, then NAALADase may serve to inactivate NAAG'S synaptic action. Alternatively, if NAAG functions as a precursor for glutamate, the primary function of NAALADase may be to regulate synaptic glutamate availability.

“Nervous function” refers to the various functions of the nervous system, which among other things provide an awareness of the internal and external environments of the body, make possible voluntary and reflex activities between the various structural elements of the organism, and balance the organism's response to environmental changes.

“Nervous insult” refers to any damage to nervous tissue and any disability or death resulting therefrom. The cause of nervous insult may be metabolic, toxic, neurotoxic, iatrogenic, thermal or chemical, and includes without limitation ischemia, hypoxia, cerebrovascular accident, trauma, surgery, pressure, mass effect, hemorrhage, radiation, vasospasm, neurodegenerative disease, neurodegenerative process, infection, Parkinson's disease, ALS, myelination/demyelination process, epilepsy, cognitive disorder, glutamate abnormality and secondary effects thereof. Currently, there is no known effective treatment for nervous tissue damage.

“Nervous tissue” refers to the various components that make up the nervous system, including without limitation neurons, neural support cells, glia, Schwann cells, vasculature contained within and supplying these structures, the central nervous system, the brain, the brain stem, the spinal cord, the junction of the central nervous system with the peripheral nervous system, the peripheral nervous system and allied structures.

“Neuroprotective” refers to the effect of reducing, arresting or ameliorating nervous insult, and protecting, resuscitating or reviving nervous tissue which has suffered nervous insult.

“Pathological gambling” is a condition characterized by a preoccupation with gambling. Similar to psychoactive substance abuse, its effects include development of tolerance with a need to gamble progressively larger amounts of money, withdrawal symptoms, and continued gambling despite severe negative effects on family and occupation.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to a salt of the inventive compounds which possesses the desired pharmacological activity and which is neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable. The salt can be formed with inorganic acids such as acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate, benzenesulfonate, bisulfate butyrate, citrate, camphorate, camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate, ethanesulfonate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate, hemisulfate heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, oxalate, thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Examples of a base salt include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases such as dicyclohexylamine salts, N-methyl-D-glucamine, and salts with amino acids such as arginine and lysine. The basic nitrogen-containing groups can be quarternized with agents including lower alkyl halides such as methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; dialkyl sulfates such as dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diamyl sulfates; long chain halides such as decyl, lauryl, myristyl and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides; and aralkyl halides such as benzyl and phenethyl bromides.

“Prodrugs” refer to derivatives of drug molecules that undergo biotransformation prior to exhibiting their pharmacological effects. Carrier-linked prodrugs are drugs linked to a carrier moiety by a labile bridge. A special group of carrier-linked prodrugs are site-specific chemical delivery systems. Bioprecursors are prodrugs that do not contain a carrier group and are activated by the metabolic creation of a functional group. Macromolecular prodrugs are synthetic conjugates of drugs covalently bound to proteins, polypeptides, polysaccharides, and other biodegradable polymers. Another group of prodrugs is provided by drugs coupled to monoclonal antibodies.

“Tourette's syndrome” refers to an autosomal multiple tic disorder characterized by compulsive swearing, multiple muscle tics and loud noises. Tics are brief, rapid, involuntary movements that can be simple or complex; they are stereotyped and repetitive, but not rhythmic. Simple tics, such as eye blinking, often begin as nervous mannerisms. Complex tics often resemble fragments of normal behavior.

“Treating” refers to:

(i) preventing a disease, disorder or condition from occurring in an animal which may be predisposed to the disease, disorder and/or condition but has not yet been diagnosed as having it;

(ii) inhibiting the disease, disorder or condition, i.e., arresting its development; and

(iii) relieving the disease, disorder or condition, i.e., causing regression of the disease, disorder and/or condition.

In relation to drug dependence, “treating” refers to suppressing the psychologic addiction or physical tolerance to the drug of abuse, and relieving or preventing a withdrawal syndrome resulting from the drug dependence.

“Withdrawal syndrome” refers to a disorder characterized by untoward physical changes that occur when the drug is discontinued or when its effect is counteracted by a specific antagonist.

Compounds of the Present Invention

The present invention relates to a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor.

Preferred NAALADase Inhibitors

Since NAALADase is a metallopeptidase, useful parent NAALADase inhibitor drugs include small molecule compounds with functional groups known to inhibit metallo-peptidases, such as hydroxyphosphinyl derivatives.

According to scientific literature, the glutamate moiety plays a more critical role than the aspartate moiety in the recognition of NAAG by NAALADase. As such, a preferred NAALADase inhibitor is a glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein:

X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅;

R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar;

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar;

R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo;

Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.

Preferably, X is CH₂.

More preferably, R₂ is substituted with carboxy.

Even more preferably, R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl; and R₂ is C₁-C₂ alkyl.

Most preferably, the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is selected from the group consisting of:

2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid;

2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid;

2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[propylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[butylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[cyclohexylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(cyclohexyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(phenylethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(phenylpropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(phenylbutyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

In another preferred embodiment of formula I, R₂ is C₃-C₉ alkyl; R₁ is 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl or C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl substituted with 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl or 4-pyridyl; or R₁ is 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, or C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl substituted with 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl.

Preferred compounds of this embodiment include:

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]hexanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]hexanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]heptanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]heptanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]octanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]octanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]nonanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]nonanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]decanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]decanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-tetrahydropyranyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-tetrahydropyranyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-tetrahydropyranyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-pyridyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-pyridyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-indolyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-indolyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[2-thienyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-thienyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

In another preferred embodiment of formula I, X is CH₂ and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, and phenyl.

More preferably, R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl.

Most preferably, the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is selected from the group consisting of:

3-(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(ethylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(propylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(cyclohexylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((cyclohexyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(phenylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(phenylbutylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(phenylprop-2-enylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenyl propanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-ethylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-propylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-butylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-cyclohexylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(cyclohexyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-benzylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylethylpropanaic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylbutylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)propanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylprop-2-enylpropanoic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

In a further embodiment of formula I, at least one of R₁ and R₂ is 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, or C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl substituted with 2-indolyl 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl or 4-pyridyl; or R₁ is 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, or C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl substituted with 1-naphthyl or 2-naphthyl.

Preferred compounds of this embodiment include:

3-[(2-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(4-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-pyridyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-pyridyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenyl propanoic acid;

3-[(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenyl propanoic acid;

3-[(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenyl propanoic acid;

3-[(2-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(4-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-indolyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-indolyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(2-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(4-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-thienyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-[(3-thienyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(2-pyridyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-pyridyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(4-pyridyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-pyridyl)ethylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-pyridyl)propylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(2-indolyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-indolyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(4-indolyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-indolyl)ethylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-indolyl)propylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(2-thienyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-thienyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(4-thienyl)methylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-thienyl)ethylpropanoic acid;

3-(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-(3-thienyl)propylpropanoic acid;

3-((1-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((2-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((1-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((2-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((1-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((2-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((1-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((1-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid;

3-((2-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl)-2-phenylpropanoic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

When X is O, R₂ is preferably substituted with carboxy.

Exemplary compounds of this embodiment include:

2-[[methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[butylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[cyclohexylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(cyclohexyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylbutylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(phosphono)oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[butylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[cyclohexylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(cyclohexyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylbutylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylprop-2-enylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]hexanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]hexanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]heptanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]heptanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]octanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]octanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]nonanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]nonanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]decanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)oxy]decanedioic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-butylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-cyclohexylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(cyclohexyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-benzylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylpropylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylbutylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)ethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(1-naphthyl)ethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-naphthyl)ethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(1-naphthyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-naphthyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(1-naphthyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-naphthyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(1-naphthyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-naphthyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(1-naphthyl)butylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-naphthyl)butylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylprop-2-enylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl ]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]pentanedioic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

In another preferred embodiment of formula I, R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, and phenyl.

Exemplary compounds of this embodiment include:

2-[[(2-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(4-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(4-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(4-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-pyridyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-pyridyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(4-pyridyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-pyridyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-pyridyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-indolyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-indolyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(4-indolyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-indolyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-indolyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(2-thienyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-thienyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(4-thienyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-thienyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]oxy]-2-(3-thienyl)propylethanoic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

When X is NR₅, R₂ is preferably substituted with carboxy.

Exemplary compounds of this embodiment include:

2-[[methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[butylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[cyclohexylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(cyclohexyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[phenylbutylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-pentanedioic acid;

2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(phosphono)amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]hexanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]hexanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]heptanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]heptanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]octanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]octanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]nonanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]nonanedioic acid;

2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]decanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)amino]decanedioic acid;

3-[[(2-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(4-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-pyridyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-pyridyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(2-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(4-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-indolyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-indolyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(2-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(4-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-thienyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid;

3-[[(3-thienyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]pentanedioic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

In another preferred embodiment, R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, and phenyl.

Exemplary compounds of this embodiment include:

2-[[methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[butylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[cyclohexylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(cyclohexyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylbutylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)-3-hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(1-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-naphthyl)butylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[phenylprop-2-enylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-butylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-cyclohexylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(cyclohexyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-benzylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylpropylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylbutylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)ethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(1-naphthyl)ethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-naphthyl)ethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(1-naphthyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-naphthyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(1-naphthyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-naphthyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(1-naphthyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-naphthyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(1-naphthyl)butylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-naphthyl)butylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenolprop-2-enylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(4-pyridyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-pyridyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(4-indolyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-indolyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(2-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(4-thienyl)methylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)ethylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[(3-thienyl)propylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-phenylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-pyridyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-pyridyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(4-pyridyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-pyridyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-pyridyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(tetrahydrofuranyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-indolyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-indolyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(4-indolyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-indolyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-indolyl)propylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(2-thienyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-thienyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(4-thienyl)methylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-thienyl)ethylethanoic acid;

2-[[benzylhydroxyphosphinyl]amino]-2-(3-thienyl)propylethanoic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

Synthesis of NAALADase Inhibitors

The NAALADase inhibitors of formula I can be readily prepared by standard techniques of organic chemistry, utilizing the general synthetic pathways depicted below in Schemes I-IX. Precursor compounds can be prepared by methods known in the art, such as those described by Jackson et al., J. Med. Chem., Vol. 39, No. 2, pp. 619-622 (1996) and Froestl et al., J. Med. Chem., Vol. 38, pp. 3313-3331 (1995).

Methods of substituting the R group are known in the art. Additional methods of synthesizing phosphinic acid esters are described in J. Med. Chem., Vol. 31, pp. 204-212 (1988), and set forth below in Scheme II.

Starting with the aforementioned phosphinic acid esters, there are a variety of routes for preparing the compounds of formula I. For example, a general route has been described in J. Med. Chem., Vol. 39, pp. 619-622 (1996), and is set forth below in Scheme III.

Other routes for preparing the compounds of formula I are set forth below in Scheme IV and Scheme V. Scheme IV and Scheme V show the starting material as a phosphinic acid derivative and the R group as any reasonable chemical substituent including without limitation the substituents listed in Scheme II and throughout the specification.

Another route for preparing the compounds of formula I allows for aromatic substitution at R₁, and is set forth below in Scheme VI.

Another route for preparing the compounds of formula I allows for aromatic substitution at the R₂ position, and is set forth below in Scheme VII.

Another route for preparing the compounds of formula I wherein X is NR₅ is set forth below in Scheme VIII.

Another route for preparing the compounds of formula I wherein X is oxygen is set forth below in Scheme IX.

Preferred Prodrugs

The prodrugs of the present invention are designed to overcome any pharmacokinetic or pharmaceutical problems that hinder the optimal use of NAALADase inhibitors. In particular, the prodrugs are formulated with the objectives of improved chemical stability, improved patient acceptance and compliance, improved bioavailability, prolonged duration of action, improved organ selectivity, improved formulation (e.g., increased hydrosolubility), and/or decreased side effects (e.g., toxicity).

Most of the prodrugs of the present invention do not possess any relevant pharmacological activity. As such, it is important that the prodrugs convert completely to the active moieties in vivo because an intact prodrug represents unavailable drug.

The conversion or activation of prodrugs in the body can occur by various chemical or enzymatic reactions. For example, reductive and oxidative reactions can be used to regenerate the active moiety in vivo. However, most prodrugs require a hydrolytic cleavage mediated by enzymatic catalysis to trigger the release of the active moiety. Enzymes present in the gut wall, liver, and blood are important in metabolizing the prodrugs. Due to the wide variety of esterases present in the target tissues for oral prodrug-regeneration, esters are the most common prodrugs when gastrointestinal absorption is considered. By appropriate esterification of molecules containing a hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, it is possible to obtain derivatives with almost any desirable hydro-or lipophilicity as well as in vivo lability.

Based on the foregoing considerations, a preferred prodrug of the present invention is a compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein:

X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O;

R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂;

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂;

R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂;

R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo;

Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.

In a more preferred embodiment, R₄ is hydrogen, and R₃ is substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, and benzyloxy.

In the most preferred embodiment, the prodrug is selected from the group consisting of:

2-[(benzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(benzylbenzyloxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(benzyl(1-oxopropoxy)methoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(pentafluorobenzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(pentafluorobenzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(pentafluorobenzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(pentafluorobenzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid;

2-[(pentafluorobenzyl(1-oxo-propoxy)phosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; and

pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.

The compounds of the present invention possess one or more asymmetric center(s) and thus can be produced as mixtures (racemic and non-racemic) of stereoisomers, or as individual R- and S-stereoisomers. The individual stereoisomers may be obtained by using an optically active starting material, by resolving a racemic or non-racemic mixture of an intermediate at some appropriate stage of synthesis, or by resolving a compound of formula I.

Synthesis of Prodrugs

A general route for preparing the prodrugs of formula II are set forth below in Scheme X.

Other prodrugs can be readily prepared from the aforementioned NAALADase inhibitors using methods known in the art, such as those described by Burger's Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Chemistry, Fifth Ed., Vol. 1, pp. 172-178, 949-982 (1995).

For example, NAALADase inhibitors containing an alcoholic or phenolic group (R—OH) can be conveniently modified to the following esters or labile ethers:

Esters of simple or functionalized aliphatic carboxylic acids: R—O—CO—R′.

Esters of carbamic acids: R—O—CO—NR′R″.

Esters of amino acids (e.g., lysine): R—O—CO—CH(NH₂)R′.

Esters of ring-substituted aromatic acids: R—O—CO—aryl.

Esters of derivatized phosphoric acids: R—O—PO(OR′) (OR″).

(Acyloxy)methyl or (acyloxy)ethyl ethers: R—O—CH₂O—CO—R′ or R—O—CH(CH₃)—O—CO—R′.

(Alkoxycarbonyloxy)methyl or (alkoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl ethers: R—O—CH₂—O—CO—O—R′ or R—O—CH(CH₃)—O—CO—O—R′.

O-Glycosides.

NAALADase inhibitors containing a carboxylic group (R—COOH) can form esters and amides. Numerous studies have documented their structure-metabolism relationships. Prodrugs of carboxylic acids include the following:

Esters of simple alcohols or phenols: R—CO—O—R′.

Esters of alcohols containing an amino or amido function: R—CO—O—(CH₂)_(n)—NR′R″, R—CO—O—(CH₂)_(n)—CO—NR′R″ or R—CO—O—(CH₂)_(n)—NH—COR′.

(Acyloxy)methyl or (acyloxy)ethyl esters: R—CO—OCH₂—O—CO—R′ or R—CO—O—CH(CH₃)—O—CO—R′.

Hybrid glycerides formed from diacylglyerols: R—CO—O—CH(CH₂—O—CO—R′)₂.

Esters of diacylaminopropan-2-ols: R—CO—O—CH(CH₂NH—COR′)₂.

N,N-Dialkyl hydroxylamine derivatives: R—CO—O—NR′R″.

Amides of amino acids (e.g., glycine): R—CO—NH—CH(R′)—COOH.

NAALADase inhibitors containing an NH group (RR′N—H, i.e., amides, imides, and amines) are amenable to modification to a variety of prodrugs:

Amides formed from simple or functionalized acyl groups: RR′N—CO—R″.

Amides cleaved by intramolecular catalysis (with accompanying cyclization of the carrier moiety).

Alkyl carbamates: RR′N—CO—O—R″.

(Acyloxy)alkyl carbamates: RR′N—CO—O—CH(R″)—O—CO—R′″

(Phosphoryloxy)methyl carbamates: RR′N—CO—O—CH₂-O—PO₃H₂.

N-(Acyloxy)methyl or N-(acyloxy)ethyl derivatives: RR′N—CH₂—O—CO—R″ or RR′N—CH(CH₃)—O—CO—R″.

N-Mannich bases: RR′N—CH₂—NR″R′″.

N-(N,N-Dialkylamino)methylene derivatives of primary amines: RN═CH—NR′R″.

N-α-Hydroxyalkyl derivatives of peptides.

Imidazolidinone derivatives of peptides.

Oxazolidines of ephedrines and other 1-hydroxy-2-aminoethane congeners.

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising:

(i) an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor; and

(ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Examples of NAALADase inhibitors and prodrugs are set forth above.

In preferred pharmaceutical compositions, the prodrug is present in an amount that is effective for treating a glutamate abnormality, effecting a neuronal activity, treating a compulsive disorder, or treating a prostate disease in an animal.

METHODS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Method of Treating Glutamate Abnormality

Although not limited to any one particular theory, it is believed that the NAALADase inhibitors used in the methods of the present invention modulate levels of glutamate by acting on a storage form of glutamate which is hypothesized to be upstream from the effects mediated by the NMDA receptor.

Accordingly, the present invention further relates to a method of treating a glutamate abnormality in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.

The glutamate abnormality may be any disease, disorder or condition in which glutamate is implicated, including pathological conditions involving elevated levels of glutamate. Examples of glutamate abnormalities include without limitation epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease, schizophrenia, chronic pain, ischemia, peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury and physical damage to the spinal cord. In a preferred embodiment, the glutamate abnormality is selected from the group consisting of ischemia, stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and spinal cord injury.

Method of Treating Compulsive Disorder

The inventors have unexpectedly found that NAALADase inhibitors are effective in treating glutamate-related compulsive disorders.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a method of treating a compulsive disorder, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to a patient in need thereof.

The compulsive disorder may be any disorder characterized by irresistible impulsive behavior. Examples of compulsive disorders treatable by the methods of the present invention include drug dependence, eating disorders, pathological gambling, ADD and Tourette's syndrome.

Preferably, the compulsive disorder is drug dependence. Commonly used drugs with potential for dependence include CNS depressants (opioids, synthetic narcotics, barbiturates, glutethimide, methyprylon, ethchlorvynol, methaqualone, alcohol); anxiolytics (diazepam, chlordiazepoxide, alprazolam, oxazepam, temazepam); stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine); and hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline, peyote, marijuana).

More preferably, the drug dependence is alcohol, nicotine, heroin or cocaine dependence.

Method of Effecting Neuronal Activity

The inventors have also discovered that inhibition of NAALADase promotes nerve regeneration and myelin formation.

Accordingly, the present invention further relates to a method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.

The neuronal activity that is effected by the method of the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of: stimulation of damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration and treatment of a neurological disorder.

Examples of a neurological disorder that is treatable by the method of the present invention include without limitation: trigeminal neuralgia; glossopharyngeal neuralgia; Bell's Palsy; myasthenia gravis; muscular dystrophy; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; progressive muscular atrophy; progressive bulbar inherited muscular atrophy; herniated, ruptured or prolapsed invertebrate disk syndromes; cervical spondylosis; plexus disorders; thoracic outlet destruction syndromes; peripheral neuropathies such as those caused by lead, dapsone, ticks, porphyria, or Guillain-Barré syndrome; Alzheimer's disease; and Parkinson's disease.

The method of the present invention is particularly useful for treating a neurological disorder selected from the group consisting of: peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, traumatic brain injury, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, demyelinating diseases and neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration. Examples of demyelinating diseases include multiple sclerosis. Examples of neurological disorders relating to neurodegeneration include Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Method of Treating Prostate Disease

Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of treating a prostate disease in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.

In a preferred embodiment, said prostate disease is prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Method of Treating Cancer

In addition to prostate cancer, other forms of cancer that may be treated with the compounds of the present invention include without limitation: ACTH-producing tumors, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, cancer of the adrenal cortex, bladder cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, cervix cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia, colorectal cancer, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, Ewing's sarcoma, gallbladder cancer, hairy cell leukemia, head & neck cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer (small and/or non-small cell), malignant peritoneal effusion, malignant pleural effusion, melanoma, mesothelioma, multiple myeloma, neuroblastoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, osteosarcoma, ovary cancer, ovary (germ cell) cancer, pancreatic cancer, penis cancer, retinoblastoma, skin cancer, soft-tissue sarcoma, squamous cell carcinomas, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, trophoblastic neoplasms, cancer of the uterus, vaginal cancer, cancer of the vulva and Wilm's tumor.

The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful in treating cancer of tissues where NAALADase enzymes reside. Such tissues include the prostate as well as the brain, kidney and testis.

Route of Administration

In the methods of the present invention, the compounds may be administered orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, topically, rectally, nasally, buccally, vaginally or via an implanted reservoir in dosage formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, intrasternal or intracranial injection and infusion techniques. Invasive techniques are preferred, particularly direct administration to damaged neuronal tissue.

To be effective therapeutically as central nervous system targets, the NAALADase inhibitors used in the methods of the present invention should readily penetrate the blood-brain barrier when peripherally administered. Compounds which cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier can be effectively administered by an intraventricular route.

The compounds may also be administered in the form of sterile injectable preparations, for example, as sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions. These suspensions can be formulated according to techniques known in the art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparations may also be sterile injectable solutions or suspensions in non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluents or solvents, for example, as solutions in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile fixed oils are conventionally employed as solvents or suspending mediums. For this purpose, any bland fixed oil such as a synthetic mono- or di-glyceride may be employed. Fatty acids such as oleic acid and its glyceride derivatives, including olive oil and castor oil, especially in their polyoxyethylated forms, are useful in the preparation of injectables. These oil solutions or suspensions may also contain long-chain alcohol diluents or dispersants.

Additionally, the compounds may be administered orally in the form of capsules, tablets, aqueous suspensions or solutions. Tablets may contain carriers such as lactose and corn starch, and/or lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate. Capsules may contain diluents including lactose and dried corn starch. Aqueous suspensions may contain emulsifying and suspending agents combined with the active ingredient. The oral dosage forms may further contain sweetening and/or flavoring and/or coloring agents.

The compounds may further be administered rectally in the form of suppositories. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with suitable non-irritating excipients which are solid at room temperature, but liquid at rectal temperature such that they will melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such excipients include cocoa butter, beeswax and polyethylene glycols.

Moreover, the compounds may be administered topically, especially when the conditions addressed for treatment involve areas or organs readily accessible by topical application, including neurological disorders of the eye, the skin or the lower intestinal tract.

For topical application to the eye, or ophthalmic use, the compounds can be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, Ph adjusted sterile saline or, preferably, as a solution in isotonic, Ph adjusted sterile saline, either with or without a preservative such as benzylalkonium chloride. Alternatively, the compounds may be formulated into ointments, such as petrolatum.

For topical application to the skin, the compounds can be formulated into suitable ointments containing the compounds suspended or dissolved in, for example, mixtures with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax and water. Alternatively, the compounds can be formulated into suitable lotions or creams containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture of one or more of the following: mineral oil, sorbitan monostearate, polysorbate 60, cetyl ester wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol and water.

Topical application to the lower intestinal tract can be effected in rectal suppository formulations (see above) or in suitable enema formulations.

The NAALADase inhibitors used in the methods of the present invention may be administered by a single dose, multiple discrete doses or continuous infusion. Since the compounds are small, easily diffusible and relatively stable, they are well suited to continuous infusion Pump means, particularly subcutaneous pump means, are preferred for continuous infusion.

Dosage

Dose levels on the order of about 0.1 mg to about 10,000 mg of the active ingredient compound are useful in the treatment of the above conditions, with preferred levels being about 0.1 mg to about 1,000 mg. The specific dose level for any particular patient will vary depending upon a variety of factors, including the activity of the specific compound employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration; the rate of excretion; drug combination; the severity of the particular disease being treated; and the form of administration. Typically, in vitro dosage-effect results provide useful guidance on the proper doses for patient administration. Studies in animal models are also helpful. The considerations for determining the proper dose levels are well known in the art.

In a preferred embodiment, the NAALADase inhibitors are administered in lyophilized form. In this case, 1 to 100 mg of a NAALADase inhibitor may be lyophilized in individual vials, together with a carrier and a buffer, such as mannitol and sodium phosphate. The compound may be reconstituted in the vials with bacteriostatic water before administration.

In treating global ischemia, the compounds of the present invention are preferably administered orally, rectally, parenterally or topically at least 1 to 6 times daily, and may follow an initial bolus dose of higher concentration.

The NAALADase inhibitors used in the methods of the present invention may be administered in combination with one or more therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutic agents. TABLE I provides known median dosages for selected chemotherapeutic agents. Specific dose levels for these agents and other therapeutic agents will depend upon considerations such as those identified above for the compounds of the present invention.

TABLE I CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENT MEDIAN DOSAGE Asparaginase 10,000 units Bleomycin Sulfate 15 units Carboplatin 50-450 mg Carmustine 100 mg Cisplatin 10-50 mg Cladribine 10 mg Cyclophosphamide 100 mg-2 gm (lyophilized) Cyclophosphamide (non- 100 mg-2 gm lyophilized) Cytarabine (lyophilized 100 mg-2 gm powder) Dacarbazine 100 mg-200 mg Dactinomycin 0.5 mg Daunorubicin 20 mg Diethylstilbestrol 250 mg Doxorubicin 10-150 mg Etidronate 300 mg Etoposide 100 mg Floxuridine 500 mg Fludarabine Phosphate 50 mg Fluorouracil 500 mg-5 gm Goserelin 3.6 mg Granisetron Hydrochloride 1 mg Idarubicin 5-10 mg Ifosfamide 1-3 mg Leucovorin Calcium 50-350 mg Leuprolide 3.75-7.5 mg Mechlorethamine 10 mg Medroxyprogesterone 1 gm Melphalan 50 gm Methotrexate 20 mg-1 gm Mitomycin 5-40 mg Mitoxantrone 20-30 mg Ondansetron Hydrochloride 40 mg Paclitaxel 30 mg Pamidronate Disodium 30-*90 mg Pegaspargase 750 units Plicamycin 2,500 mcgm Streptozocin 1 gm Thiotepa 15 mg Teniposide 50 mg Vinblastine 10 mg Vincristine 1-5 mg Aldesleukin 22 million units Epoetin Alfa 2,000-10,000 units Filgrastim 300-480 mcgm Immune Globulin 500 mg-10 gm Interferon Alpha-2a 3-36 million units Interferon Alpha-2b 3-50 million units Levamisole 50 mg Octreotide 1,000-5,000 mcgm Sargramostim 250-500 mcgm

Administration Regimen

For the methods of the present invention, any administration regimen regulating the timing and sequence of drug delivery can be used and repeated as necessary to effect treatment. Such regimen may include pretreatment and/or co-administration with additional therapeutic agents.

To maximize protection of nervous tissue from nervous insult, the NAALADase inhibitors should be administered to the affected cells as soon as possible. In situations where nervous insult is anticipated, the compounds should be administered before the expected nervous insult. Such situations of increased likelihood of nervous insult include surgery (cartoid endarterectomy, cardiac, vascular, aortic, orthopedic); endovascular procedures such as arterial catherization (cartoid, vertebral, aortic, cardia, renal, spinal, Adamkiewicz); injections of embolic agents; coils or balloons for hemostasis; interruptions of vascularity for treatment of brain lesions; and predisposing medical conditions such as crescendo transient ischemic attacks, emboli and sequential strokes. Where pretreatment for stroke or ischemia is impossible or impracticable, it is important to get the NAALADase inhibitors to the affected cells as soon as possible during or after the event. In the time period between strokes, diagnosis and treatment procedures should be minimized to save the cells from further damage and death.

For patients with prostate cancer that is neither advanced nor metastatic, the compounds of the present invention may be administered (i) prior to surgery or radiation treatment to reduce the risk of metastasis; (ii) during surgery or in conjunction with radiation treatment; and/or (iii) after surgery or radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence and to inhibit the growth of any residual tumorous cells.

For patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, the compounds of the present invention may be administered as a continuous supplement to, or as a replacement for, hormonal ablation in order to slow tumor cell growth in both the untreated primary tumor and the existing metastatic lesions.

The methods of the present invention are particularly useful where shed cells could not be removed by surgical intervention. After post-surgical recovery, the methods of the present invention would be effective in reducing the chances of recurrence of a tumor engendered by such shed cells.

Combination with Other Treatments

a. Nervous Insult

In methods of treating nervous insult (particularly acute ischemic stroke and global ischemia caused by drowning and head trauma), the NAALADase inhibitors can be co-administered with one or more therapeutic agents, preferably agents which can reduce the risk of stroke (such as aspirin), and more preferably agents which can reduce the risk of a second ischemic event (such as ticlopidine).

The NAALADase inhibitors can be co-administered with one or more therapeutic agents either (i) together in a single formulation, or (ii) separately in individual formulations designed for optimal release rates of their respective active agent. Each formulation may contain from about 0.01% to about 99.99% by weight, preferably from about 3.5% to about 60% by weight, of a NAALADase inhibitor, as well as one or more pharmaceutical excipients, such as wetting, emulsifying and Ph buffering agents.

b. Prostate Disease

(i) Surgery and Radiation Treatment

In general, surgery and radiation treatment are employed as potentially curative therapies for patients with localized prostate cancer who are under 70 years of age and are expected to live at least 10 more years.

Approximately 70% of newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients fall into this category. Approximately 90% of these patients (65% of total patients) undergo surgery, while approximately 10% of these patients (7% of total patients) undergo radiation treatment.

Histopathological examination of surgical specimens reveals that approximately 63% of patients undergoing surgery (40% of total patients) have locally extensive tumors or regional (lymph node) metastasis that was undetected at initial diagnosis. These patients are at a significantly greater risk of recurrence. Approximately 40% of these patients will actually develop recurrence within five years after surgery. Results after radiation treatment are even less encouraging. Approximately 80% of patients who have undergone radiation treatment as their primary therapy have disease persistence or develop recurrence or metastasis within five years after treatment.

Currently, most prostate cancer patients undergoing surgery and radiation treatment do not receive any immediate follow-up therapy. Rather, they are monitored frequently for elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (“PSA”), which is the primary indicator of recurrence or metastasis.

Based on the above statistics, there is considerable opportunity to use the present invention in conjunction with surgery and/or radiation treatment.

(ii) Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal ablation is the most effective palliative treatment for the 10% of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Hormonal ablation by medication and/or orchiectomy is used to block hormones that promote further growth and metastasis of prostate cancer. With time, both the primary and metastatic tumors of virtually all of these patients become hormone-independent and resistant to therapy. Approximately 50% of patients with metastatic cancer die within three years after initial diagnosis, and 75% of such patients die within five years after diagnosis. Continuous supplementation with the compounds of the present invention may be used to prevent or reverse this potentially metastasis-permissive state.

(iii) Chemotherapy

While chemotherapy has been successful in treating some forms of cancer, it has shown slight therapeutic value in treating prostate cancer where it is generally reserved as a last resort. Accordingly, the opportunity to treat prostate cancer by combining chemotherapy with the methods of the present invention will be rare. When combined, however, such treatments should be more effective than chemotherapy alone in controlling prostate cancer.

(iv) Immunotherapy

The compounds of the present invention may also be used in combination with monoclonal antibodies to treat prostate cancer. Such combined treatment is particularly effective for patients with pelvic lymph node involvement, of which only 34% survive after 5 years. An example of such monoclonal antibodies is cell membrane-specific anti-prostate antibody.

The present invention may also be used with immunotherapies based on polyclonal or monoclonal antibody-derived reagents. Monoclonal antibody-derived reagents are preferred. These reagents are well known in the art, and include radiolabelled monoclonal antibodies such as monoclonal antibodies conjugated with strontium-89.

(v) Cryotherapy

The methods of the present invention may also be used in conjunction with cryotherapy for treatment of prostate cancer.

In Vivo Toxicity of NAALADase Inhibitors

To examine the toxicological effect of NAALADase inhibition in vivo, a group of mice were injected with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid, a NAALADase inhibitor of high activity, in doses of 1, 5, 10, 30, 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight. The mice were subsequently observed two times per day for 5 consecutive days. The survival rate at each dose level is provided below in TABLE I. The results show that the NAALADase inhibitor is non-toxic to mice, suggesting that it would be similarly non-toxic to humans when administered at therapeutically effective amounts.

TABLE I TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF NAALADASE INHIBITORS Dose (mg/kg) 1 5 10 30 100 300 500 Survival 100 100 100 100 100 100 66.7 Rate After 5 days (%)

In Vitro Inhibition of NAALADase Activity

Various compounds of formula I were tested for in vitro inhibition of NAALADase activity. The results are provided below in Table III.

TABLE II IN VITRO INHIBITION OF NAALADASE ACTIVITY Compound i (Nm)

0.293 ± 0.08  2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid

700.00 ± 67.3  2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid

1.89 ± 0.19 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid

34.15

35.85

54.50

113.50

180.00

148.50

231.67

532.00

1100.00

68.00

70.00

89.50

145.00

22.67

204.00

199.00

185.00

177.00

22.50

92.00

117.00

The results show that 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid exhibits high NAALADase inhibiting activity, with a K_(i) of 0.293 Nm. The activity of this compound is over 1000 times greater than that of previously described NAALADase inhibitors.

By comparison, 2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid exhibits much lower NAALADase inhibiting activity, suggesting that a glutamate analog attached to the phosphonic acid contributes to its NAALADase inhibiting activity.

The results also show that 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid, which has an additional carboxylic acid side chain similar to the aspartate residue found in NAAG, exhibits a lower NAALADase inhibiting activity than 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid.

Protocol for Assaying In Vitro Inhibition of NAALADase Activity

The amount of [³H]Glu liberated from [³H]NAAG in 50 Mm Tris-Cl buffer was measured for 15 minutes at 37° C. using 30-50 μg of synaptosomal protein. Substrate and product were resolved by anion-exchange liquid chromatography. Duplicate assays were performed so that no more than 20% of the NAAG was digested, representing the linear range of peptidase activity. Quisqualate (100 μM) was included in parallel assay tubes to confirm the specificity of the measurements.

In Vitro Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Ischemia

To examine the in vitro effect of NAALADase inhibitors on ischemia, cortical cell cultures were treated with various compounds of formula I during an ischemic insult (potassium cyanide and 2-deoxyglucose) and for one hour thereafter (for experimental details, see Vornov et al., J. Neurochem, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 1681-1691 (1995)).

The neuroprotective effect of each tested compound is provided below in TABLE III(a). Neuroprotective effect is expressed as EC₅₀, the concentration which is required to cause a 50% reduction in glutamate toxicity following an ischemic insult.

TABLE III(a) Compound EC₅₀ (Nm)

0.67

373.0

112.0

132.0

100.0

767.0

794.0

37.00

79.00

2.00

834.00

4315.00

1670.00

The dose-response of this effect, as measured by the % toxicity at different concentrations of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid, is provided below in TABLE III(b) and graphically presented in FIG. 1.

TABLE III(b) Dose % Toxicity Control 100.00 ± 9.0 (n = 5) 100 Pm  66.57 ± 4.38 (n = 5) 1 Nm  42.31 ± 9.34 (n = 5) 10 Nm  33.08 ± 9.62 (n = 5) 100 Nm  30.23 ± 9.43 (n = 5) 1 μm  8.56 ± 8.22 (n = 5)

The results show that toxicity decreased as the concentration of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid increased, suggesting that NAALADase inhibitors would be effective in treating ischemia or neuronal damage caused by ischemia.

The methods for this assay are described in detail below. Specifically, cell cultures were exposed to potassium cyanide and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG)(10 Mm) and analyzed for release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

In Vitro Toxicity of NAAG

To examine the in vitro toxicity of NAAG, cortical cell cultures were treated with NAAG (in concentrations ranging from 3 μM to 3 Mm) for 20 minutes. The toxicity measurement for each concentration of NAAG is provided below in TABLE IV and graphically presented in FIG. 2.

TABLE IV Dose of NAAG % Toxicity 3 μm  3.51 (n = 1) 10 μm  4.30 ± 3.12 (n = 3) 30 μm 11.40 ± 6.17 (n = 3) 100 μm 12.66 ± 5.50 (n = 3) 300 μm 13.50 ± 4.0 (n = 3) 1 Mm 21.46 ± 4.20 (n = 3) 3 Mm 45.11 ± 4.96 (n = 3)

The results show that toxicity increased as the concentration of NAAG increased. The toxicity is attributed to the release of glutamate by NAAG when cleaved by NAALADase.

In Vitro Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Toxicity of NAAG

To examine the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on in vitro toxicity of NAAG, cortical cell cultures were treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (1 μM) during exposure to NAAG and for one hour thereafter. The toxicity measurement for each concentration of NAAG is provided below in TABLE V and graphically presented in FIG. 3.

TABLE V Dose of NAAG % Toxicity 3 μM −4.71 (n = 1) 10 μM −3.08 ± 0.81 (n = 3) 30 μM −4.81 ± 1.13 (n = 3) 100 μM −2.87 ± 0.78 (n = 3) 300 μM −2.09 ± 0.48 (n = 3) 1 Mm  0.26 ± 1.11 (n = 3) 3 Mm 16.83 ± 8.76 (n = 3)

When compared to the results of FIG. 2/TABLE IV, the results of FIG. 3/TABLE V show that toxicity decreased considerably after treatment with the NAALADase inhibitor, suggesting that it would be effective in treating glutamate abnormalities.

In Vitro Assay of NAALADASE Inhibitors on Ischemia at Different Times of Administration

To examine the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on in vitro ischemic toxicity at different times of administration, cortical cell cultures were treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (i) during an ischemic insult and for one hour thereafter (exposure and recovery); (ii) for one hour following ischemic insult (recovery only); and (iii) for one hour beginning 30 minutes after ischemic insult (delayed 30 minutes). The toxicity measurement for each time of administration is provided below in TABLE VI and graphically presented in FIG. 4.

TABLE VI Time of Administration Relative to Ischemic Insult % Toxicity Control 100.00% Exposure & Recovery 2.54% Recovery Only 9.03% Delayed 30 Minutes 31.49%

The results show that significant neuronal protection is achieved when NAALADase inhibitors are administered during exposure and recovery from an ischemic insult, and even after a 30 minute delay following the ischemic insult.

Protocol for In Vitro Toxicity Assay

a. Cell Culture

Dissociated cortical cell cultures are prepared using the papain-dissociation method of Heuttner and Baughman (1986) as modified by Murphy and Baraban (1990). See TABLE VII for the Dissociated Culture Protocol as used herein. Fetuses of embryonic day 17 are removed from timed pregnancy rats (Harlan Sprague Dawley). The cortex is rapidly dissected out in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline, stripped of meninges, and incubated in a papain solution for 15 minutes at 37° C. The tissue is then mechanically triturated and pelleted at 500 g (1000-2000 rpm on swinging bucket Beckman). The pellet is resuspended in a DNAase solution, triturated with a 10 ml pipette×15-20, layered over a “10×10” solution containing albumin and trypsin inhibitor (see TABLE VII for an example of a “10×10” solution), repelleted, and resuspended in a plating medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum (HyClone A-1111-L), 5% heat-inactivated Equine serum (HyClone A-3311-L), and 84% modified Earle's basal medium (MEM) (Gibco 51200-020) with high glucose (4.5 g/L), and 1 g/L NaHCO₃. Each 24-well plate is pretreated with poly-D-lysine (0.5 ml/well of 10 μg/ml) for 1 h and rinsed with water before plating. Cultures are plated at 2.5×10⁶ cells/ml with each well of a 24 well plate receiving 500 μl/well. Alternatively, 35 mm dishes can be plated at 2 ml/dish, 6 well plates at 2 ml/well, or 12 well plates at 1 ml/well. After plating, 50% of the medium is changed every 3-4 days with growth serum containing 5% heat-inactivated Equine serum (HyClone A-3311-L), 95% modified Earle's basal medium (MEM) (Gibco 51200-020), and 1% L-Glutamine (Gibco 25030-081). Experiments are performed after 21 days in cultures. Cultures are maintained in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere at 37° C. These methodologies are described in further detail below in the TABLE VII.

TABLE VII DISSOCIATED CULTURE PROTOCOL I. PREPARE SOLUTIONS Stocks/Solutions DNAase Stock, 1 ml Dulbecco's PBS, 500 ml (100x) 4 gm NaCl (J. T. Baker 3624- 5 mg DNAase I 01); (Worthington LS002004); 1.06 gm Na₂HPO₄.7H₂O (Fisher 1 ml dissoc. EBSS; S373-3); freeze as 50 μl 100 mg Kcl (Fisher P217- aliquots. 500); 100 mg KH₂PO₄ (Sigma P- 0662); 500 ml Dh₂O; adjust Ph to 7.4 and sterile filter. Dissociated EBSS, 500 ml EDTA Stock, 10 ml 1.1 gm NaHCO₃; 184.2 mg EDTA sodium salt 50 ml EBSS stock (Gibco (Sigma ED4S); 14050-025); 10 ml Dh₂O; 450 ml Dh₂O; sterile filter. sterile filter. Poly-D-Lysine Stock, 5 ml 10 and 10 Stock, 10 ml 5 mg Poly-D-Lysine, 100-150 100 mg BSA (Sigma A- K (Sigma P-6407); 4919); 5 ml sterile water; 100 mg Trypsin Inhibitor keep frozen. from Egg White (Sigma T- 2011); 10 ml dissoc. EBSS; sterile filter. Media Dissociated growth, 500 Plating media, 300 ml ml 250 ml MEM containing 500 ml MEM (Gibco 51200- glucose and sodium 020) containing glucose bicarbonate (2.25 gm and NaHCO₃ glucose and 0.5 gm NaHCO₃ in (2.25 gm glucose and 0.5 500 ml Gibco MEM 51200- gm NaHCO₃); 020); 25 ml heat-inactivated 30 ml Fetal Bovine Serum Equine Serum (HyClone A- (HyClone A-1111-L). 3311-L); 5 ml L-Glutamine (200 Mm, 100x stock, Gibco 25030-081); sterile filter. 15 ml heat-inactivated Equine Serum (HyClone A- 3311-L); 3 ml L-Glutamine (200 Mm, 100x stock, Gibco 25030-081); (Gibco 15140-015); 1 ml Penicillin- Streptomycin stock. For papain dissociation: For DNAase treatment: 4 mg Cysteine (C-8277); DNAase, 5 ml 25 ml dissoc. EBSS; 4.5 ml dissoc. EBSS; 250 μl Papain stock 500 μl “10 and 10” stock; (Worthington LS003126); 50 μl DNAase stock. place in 37° C. waterbath “10 and 10”, 5 ml until clear. 4.5 ml of EBSS; 500 μl “10 and 10” stock. II. COAT DISHES Use poly-d-lysine stock at 1:100 dilution to coat 24- well plates (0.5 ml/well) or at 1:10 dilution to coat 35 mm glass cover slips (1.0 ml/coverslip). Leave until end of dissection. III. DISSECT TISSUE Use Harlan Sprague-Dawley timed pregnancy rats, ordered to arrive at E-17. Decapitate, spray abdomen down with 70% EtOH. Remove uterus through midline incision and place in sterile DPBS. Remove brains from embryos, leaving them in DPBS. Brain removal: Penetrate skull and skin with fine forceps at lambda. Pull back to open posterior fossa. Then move forceps anteriorly to separate sagittal suture. Brain can be removed by scooping back from olfactory bulbs under the brain. Move brains to fresh DPBS; subsequently, dissect away from cortex. IV. PAPAIN DISSOCIATION Transfer cortices equally to two 15 ml tubes containing sterile papain solution, maintained at 37° C. Triturate x1 with sterile 10 ml pipette. Incubate only for 15 minutes at 37° C. Spin at 500 G for 5 minutes (1000-2000 RPM on swinging bucket Beckman). V. DNAase TREATMENT Remove supernatant and any DNA gel layer from cell pellet (or pick up and remove pellet with pipette). Move cell pellet to DNAase solution. Triturate with 10 ml pipette, x15-20. Layer cell suspension over the “10 and 10” solution by pipetting it against the side of the tubes. Spin again at 500 G for 5 minutes (cells will spin into “10 and 10” layer). Wash tube sides with plating media without disturbing pellet. Pipette off the media wash and repeat the wash. VI. PLATE Add about 4.5 ml plating media to each pellet for 5 ml volume. Re-suspend with 10 ml pipette. Pool cells into a single tube. Quickly add 10 μl of the suspended cells to a hemocytometer so that they do not settle. Count cells per large square, corresponding to 10 million cells/ml. Put re-suspended cells into a larger container so that they number 2.5 million cells/ml. Triturate to homogeneity. Finish coating plates: Aspirate or dump Lysine; Wash x1 with sterile water and dump. Add plating media, with cells, to the plates as follows: 35 mm dishes 2 ml/dish;  6 well plate 2 ml/well; 12 well plate 1 ml/well; 24 well plate 500 μl/well. VII. FEED Cultures are usually made on Thursdays. Start feeding twice a week; beginning the following Monday, feedings on Mondays and Fridays. Remove 50% of volume and replace with fresh growth media.

b. Ischemic Insult Using Potassium Cyanide and 2-deoxyglucose

Twenty-one to twenty-four days following the initial cortical cell plating, the experiment is performed. The cultures are washed three times in HEPES buffered saline solution containing no phosphate. The cultures are then exposed to potassium cyanide (KCN)(5 Mm) and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) (10 Mm) for 20 minutes at 37° C. These concentrations were shown previously to induce maximal toxicity (Vornov et al., J. Neurochem, Vol. 65, No. 4, pp. 1681-1691 (1995)). At the end of 24 hours, the cultures are analyzed for release of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a standard measure of cell lysis. LDH measurements are performed according to the method of Koh and Choi, J. Neuroscience Methods (1987).

c. NAAG Induced Neurotoxicity

Cultures are assessed microscopically and those with uniform neuronal densities are used in the NAAG neurotoxicity trials.

At the time of the experiment, the cultures are washed once in HEPES-buffered saline solution (HBSS; NaCl 143.4 mM, HEPES 5 mM, Kcl 5.4 mM, MgSO₄ 1.2 mM, NaH₂PO₄ 1.2 mM, CaCl₂.0 mM, D-glucose 10 mM) (Vornov et al., 1995) and then exposed to various concentrations of NAAG for 20 minutes at 37° C. NAAG concentrations range from 3 μM to 3 Mm, and include 3 μM, 10 μM, 30 μM, 100 μM, 300 μM, 1 Mm, and 3 Mm. At the end of exposure, the cells are washed once with HEPES buffered saline solution and then replaced with serum free modified Earle's basal medium. The cultures are then returned to the CO₂ incubator for 24 hour recovery.

d. Lactate Dehydrogenase Assay

Release of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a standard measure of cell lysis, is used to quantify injury (Koh and Choi, 1987). LDH-activity measurements are normalized to control for variability between culture preparations (Koh and Choi, 1987). Each independent experiment contains a control condition in which no NAALADase inhibitors are added; a small amount of LDH activity is found in these controls. This control measurement is subtracted from each experimental point. These values are normalized within each experiment as a percentage of the injury caused by NAAG/ischemia. Only main effects of NAALADase inhibitors are considered; interactions between dose and condition are not examined statistically.

A measurement of the potency of each compound tested is made by measuring the percentage of LDH release into the growth media after exposure to NAAG/ischemia plus NAALADase inhibitor or NAAG/ischemia plus saline (control). Since high concentrations of glutamate may be toxic to cells in certain circumstances, measurement of glutamate toxicity is observed using LDH as a standard measurement technique.

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Cortical Injury following MCAO in SHRSP Rats

To examine the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on cortical injury in vivo, the infarct volume was measured in SHRSP rats which had sustained middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and had subsequently been treated with (i) saline; (ii) 10 mg/kg of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid followed by 2 mg/kg/hr of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid for 1 hour; or (iii) 100 mg/kg of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid followed by 20 mg/kg/hr of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid for one hour.

The cortical injury volume for each group of rats is provided below in TABLE VIII and graphically presented in FIG. 5.

TABLE VIII Cortical Injury Volume (mm³) ± S.E.M. Control 184.62 ± 33.52 (n = 10)  10 mg/kg 135.00 ± 32.18 (n = 10) 100 mg/kg  65.23 ± 32.18 (n = 10) Cortical Injury Volume (% injury) = S.E.M. Control 34.44 ± 6.53 (n = 10)  10 mg/kg3 29.14 ± 7.68 (n = 10) 100 mg/kg 13.98 ± 6.64 (n = 10) Cortical Protection (% protection) Control  0%  10 mg/kg 27% 100 mg/kg 65%

The results show that cortical injury volume decreased and cortical protection increased as the amount of NAALADase inhibitor increased, further supporting the neuroprotective effect of the NAALADase inhibitor.

Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Cortical Injury

A colony of SHRSP rats is bred at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine from three pairs of male and female rats obtained from the National Institutes of Health (Laboratory, Sciences Section, Veterinary Resources Program, National Center for Research Resources, Bethesda, Md.). All rats are kept in a virus-free environment and maintained on regular diet (NIH 31, Zeigler Bros, Inc.) with water ad libitum. All groups of rats are allowed to eat and drink water until the morning of the experiment.

Transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is induced by advancing a 4-0 surgical nylon suture into the internal carotid artery (ICA) to block the origin of the MCA (Koizumi, 1986; Longa, 1989; Chen, 1992). The rats are anesthetized with 4% halothane, and maintained with 1.0% to 1.5% halothane in air enriched oxygen using a face mask. Rectal temperature is maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. throughout the surgical procedure using a heating lamp. The right femoral artery is cannulated for measuring blood gases (Ph, oxygen tension [PO₂], carbon dioxide tension [PCO₂ 2]) before and during ischemia, for monitoring blood pressure during the surgery. The right common carotid artery (CCA) is exposed through a midline incision; a self-retraining retractor is positioned between the digastric and mastoid muscles, and the omohyoid muscle is divided. The right external carotid artery (ECA) is dissected and ligated. The occipital artery branch of the ECA is then isolated and coagulated. Next, the right internal carotid artery (ICA) is isolated until the pterygopalatine artery is exposed, and carefully separated from the adjacent vagus nerve. The pterygopalatine artery is ligated with 4-0 silk suture close to its origin.

After the CCA is ligated with 4-0 silk suture, a 4-0 silk suture to prevent bleeding from a puncture site, through which a 2.5 cm length of 4-0 monofilament nylon suture (Ethilon), its tip rounded by heating near a electric cautery, is introduced into the ICA lumen. A 6-0 silk suture is tightened around the intraluminal nylon suture at the bifurcation to prevent bleeding, and the stretched sutures at the CCA and the ICA are released. The nylon suture is then gently advanced as far as 20 mm.

Anesthesia is terminated after 10 minutes of MCA occlusion in both groups, and the rats were awakened 5 minutes thereafter. After 2 hours of ischemia, anesthesia is reanesthetized, and reperfusion is performed by withdrawing the intraluminal nylon suture until the distal tip became visible at the origin of the ICA.

Arterial Ph and PaCO₂, and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) are measured with a self-calibrating Radiometer electrode system (ABL 3; Copenhagen, Denmark). Hemoglobin and arterial oxygen content are measured with a hemoximeter (Radiometer, Model OSM3; Copenhagen, Denmark). Blood glucose is measured with a glucose analyzer (model 2300A, Yellow Springs Instruments, Yellow Springs, Ohio).

Each group is exposed to 2 hours of right MCA occlusion and 22 hours of reperfusion. All variables but the rectal temperature are measured at baseline, at 15 minutes and 45 minutes of right MCA occlusion. The rectal temperature is measured at baseline, at 0 and 15 min of MCA occlusion, and at 0 and 22 hours of reperfusion.

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Brain Injury following MCAO in Sprague-Dawley Rats

To examine the neuroprotective effect of NAALADase inhibitors on brain injury in vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid before and after sustaining a 2 hour transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In the control group (n=8), the rats received an IP injection of saline 30 minutes post-occlusion followed by IV saline infusion at a rate of 0.5 ml/hr. In the drug treated groups, the rats received an IP injection of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentane-dioic acid at a dose of 100 mg/kg at 20 minutes pre-occlusion (n=5), 30 minutes post-occlusion (n=9), 60 minutes post-occlusion (n=7), or 120 minutes post-occlusion (n=4), followed by a 20 mg/kg/hr IV infusion for 4 hours (infusion rate=0.5 ml/hr). There was a 15 minute delay between IP and IV treatments for each rat. Twenty two hours following the reperfusion, the rats were euthanized and their brains were removed. Seven coronal sections (2 mm thick) were taken and stained with 1% solution of 2,3,5-triphenyltetraxolium chloride (TTC) for 20 minutes and then fixed in 10% formalin. The anterior and posterior surface of the most rostral brain section and the posterior surface of each of the other 6 sections were imaged. The quantification of infarct size of each brain was obtained using a computer aided-digital imaging analysis system (LOATS). The brain regions completely lacking TTC-staining were characterized as representative of infarcted tissue. The total infarct volume for each rat was calculated by numeric integration of the respective sequential brain areas.

The total infarct volume for each group of rats is graphically presented in FIG. 6.

Vehicle treated rats exhibited a mean total brain infarct volume of 293±26 mm³. Rats treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid either before or after the ischemic insult exhibited significantly lower mean total brain infarct volumes of 122±26 mm³ (p=0.003 vs. vehicle) for 20 minute pre-treatment, 208±40 mm³ (p=0.2 vs. vehicle) for 30 minute post-treatment, 125±57 mm³ (p=0.015 vs. vehicle) for 60 minute post-treatment, and 133±35 mm³ (p=0.005 vs. vehicle) for 120 minute post-treatment. These results indicate that 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid is neuroprotective in rat MCAO model of stroke when administered up to 2 hours post-occlusion.

Protocol for In Vivo AssaY of NAALADase Inhibitors on Brain Injury

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (260-320 g) were used. Prior to the experiment, the rats were individually housed and allowed free access to food and water. Each rat received two surgeries: jugular vein cannulation for IV infusion and MCAO. During surgeries, the rat was anesthetized with 2% halothane delivered in oxygen via an inhalation mask. The body temperature was monitored and regulated at normothermic level using a homeothermic heating system. First, a PE-50 polyethylene catheter was inserted into the right jugular vein. One hour later, the rat was reanesthetized for MCAO surgery. The MCAO was achieved using the endovascular suture method described by Long et al., Stroke, Vol. 20, pp. 84-91 (1989). Specifically, the right external carotid artery (ECA) was exposed, coagulated and transected. A 3-0 monofilament nylon suture with a blunted tip was introduced into the proximal stump of the ECA via an arteriotomy and advanced 20 mm from the carotid bifurcation until it lodged in the proximal region of the anterior cerebral artery, thereby occluding the origin of the MCA. The rats were allowed to wake up; 2 hours later, the rats were reanesthetized for reperfusion, during which the nylon suture was retracted to the stump of the ECA allowing blood recirculation to the MCA.

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Stroke-Induced Rise in Brain Glutamate Levels

To examine the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on hyperglutamatergic disorders in vivo, rats with stroke-induced rise in brain glutamate levels were treated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid.

The results are graphically presented in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

The results show that 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid treatment (100 mg/kg IP followed by 20 mg/kg/hr IV) significantly attenuated stroke-induced extracellular glutamate increases in the striatum (FIG. 7) as compared to vehicle treated rats (p<0.05), and completely prevented concurrent glutamate changes in the parietal cortex (p<0.01; FIG. 8). In contrast, there was no significant effect of the stroke itself on glutamate in the frontal cortex and no subsequent difference between the vehicle and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid treated groups (FIG. 9). Values are expressed as % baseline where baseline constitutes the mean of three consecutive 20 minute samples preceding stroke. Absolute basal (pretreatment) values for glutamate (mean±SEM) in caudate, parietal and frontal cortices were 0.25+0.1, 1.1+0.3 and 0.6+0.1 μM, respectively, in the vehicle treated rats, and 0.46+0.1, 2.0+0.7 and 0.9+0.3 μM, respectively, in the 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid treated rats.

Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Stroke-Induced Rise in Brain Glutamate Levels

Male Sprague Dawley rats (270-330 g, n=5-6 per group) were implanted with concentric microdialysis probes similar to previously described procedures (Britton et al., J. Neurochem., Vol. 67, pp. 324-329 (1996)). In brief, under halothane anaesthesia, probes (constructed in-house using Cuprophane capillary membrane; 10K mw cut off; 2 mm dialyzing length) were implanted into the frontal cortex (AP=+3.5; ML=3; DV=3), caudate nucleus (AP=0; ML=3; DV=6.6), and parietal cortex (AP=−2; ML=5; DV=3) (coordinates in mm relative to bregma and dura, respectively), regions believed to represent core and penumbral areas of ischemia-induced injury. Glutamate levels in dialysate were determined using precolumn o-phthaldialdehyde derivatization, followed by HPLC with fluorometric detection.

Approximately 20 hours after probe implantation, the rats were dialyzed with perfusion fluid (125 Mm NaCl, 2.5 Mm Kcl, 1.18 Mm MgCl₂ and 1.26 Mm CaCl₂) at a rate of 2.5 μl/min. Following a 60 minute stabilization period, dialysis samples were collected every 20 minutes. After collecting 3 baseline samples, the rats were anaesthetized with halothane and subjected to temporary ischemia using the filament method of MCAO (Britton et al., Life Sciences, Vol. 60, No. 20, pp. 1729-1740 (1997)). In brief, the right external carotid artery (ECA) was exposed and its branches coagulated. A 3-0 monofilament nylon suture was introduced into the internal carotid artery via an arteriotomy in the ECA and advanced until it lodged in the proximal region of the anterior cerebral artery, thus occluding the origin of the MCA. The endovascular suture was retracted to allow reperfusion 2 hours after occlusion.

Body temperature was maintained normothermic throughout stroke surgery and reperfusion procedures. The rats were dosed IP with 100 mg/kg 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid at −20 minute pre-occlusion and IV with 20 mg/kg/hr for 4 hours at the time of occlusion. Dialysis samples were collected every 20 minutes from unanesthetized rats. Following 24 hours of reperfusion, the rats were sacrificed, their brains were removed, and 7 coronal sections (2 mm thick) were taken from the region beginning 1 mm from the frontal pole and ending just rostral to the cortico-cerebellar junction. Analysis of ischemic cerebral damage was achieved using TTC staining and computer assisted image analysis as described by Britton et al. (1997), supra.

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Myelin Formation Following Sciatic Nerve Cryolesion

It was recently demonstrated that NAALADase is down-regulated in glial cells as they start to form myelin and is absent in myelinating Schwann cells. Based on this data, the inventors hypothesized that inhibition of NAALADase may affect the signaling mechanism between axons and Schwann cells and result in increasing myelination. To test this hypothesis, the inventors examined the effect of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid on nerve regeneration and myelination following cryolesion of the sciatic nerve in male mice.

The results are provided below in TABLE IX and graphically presented in FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b).

TABLE IX IN VIVO EFFECT OF NAALADASE INHIBITORS ON MYELIN FORMATION FOLLOWING SCIATIC NERVE CRYOLESION 2-(phosphonomethyl)- pentanedioic acid vehicle ratio of # of 1.5 myelinated axons (drug/vehicle) # of myelinated 16.53 ± 0.65 13.77 ± 0.09 lamellae (ave. + SEM) % increase of 20% myelinated lamellae over vehicle significance by p < 0.005 t-test

As detailed in FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b), both light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination of the nerve 3 mm distal to the site of cryolesion demonstrated a significant increase in the number of myelinated axons (1.5-fold increase) and myelin thickness (20% increase, p<0.005), as compared to nerves in mice treated with vehicle.

FIG. 10(a) and FIG. 10(b) show a photomicrograph of this effect. Sections were stained with toluidine blue which stains myelin. Sciatic nerves treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid containing implants, compared with sciatic nerves treated with vehicle containing implants, exhibited an increase in myelinated axon number as well as an increase in myelin thickness.

Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Myelin Formation Following Sciatic Nerve Cryolesion

Cryolesion of the mouse sciatic nerve was performed according to Koenig et al., Science, Vol. 268, pp. 1500-1503 (June 1995). In brief, each mouse was anesthetized and its sciatic nerve was exposed in the upper thigh and cryolesioned using a copper cryode (diameter=0.5 mm) that was dipped in liquid nitrogen and repeatedly applied to the upper part of the nerve. The extent of the lesion was approximately 1 mm.

2-(Phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid was incorporated into silicone strips according to the method of Connold et al., Developmental Brain Res, Vol. 28, pp. 99-104 (1986), and was implanted at the site of cryolesion on day 0 and replaced on days 3, 6, 9 and 12. Approximately 2.5 μg/day of 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid was released from the silicone implants each day. Both right and left sciatic nerves of each mouse were lesioned; right-side nerves were treated with silicone implant strips containing vehicle alone while left-side nerves were treated with silicone implants containing 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid. Fifteen days after surgery, the mice were sacrificed and their sciatic nerve segments were collected and processed for light microscopy and TEM analysis. Randomly chosen fields 2-3 mm distal to the lesion were qualitatively analyzed by light microscopy using 1-micrometer-thick toluidine blue stained cross sections and photographic images were captured.

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Parkinson's Disease

To examine the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on Parkinson's Disease in vivo, MPTP lesioned mice were treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or a vehicle.

The percent of dopaminergic neurons for each group of mice is provided below in TABLE X and graphically presented in FIG. 11.

TABLE X IN VIVO EFFECT OF NAALADASE INHIBITORS ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE Percent Strial TH Innervation Density (mean ± SEM) vehicle/vehicle 24.74 ± 1.03 MPTP/vehicle  7.82 ± 0.68 MPTP/2-(phosphonomethyl)- 16.28 ± 0.98 pentanedioic acid

Mice treated with MPTP and vehicle exhibited a substantial loss of functional dopaminergic terminals as compared to non-lesioned mice (approximately 68% loss). Lesioned mice receiving 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (10 mg/kg) showed a significant recovery of TH-stained dopaminergic neurons (p<0.001). These results indicate that 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid protects against MPTP-toxicity in mice.

Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Parkinson's Disease

MPTP lesioning of dopaminergic neurons in mice was used as an animal model of Parkinson's Disease, as described by Steiner, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., Vol. 94, pp. 2019-2024 (March 1997). In brief, four week old male CD1 white mice were dosed IP with 30 mg/kg of MPTP for 5 days. 2-(Phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (10 mg/kg) or a vehicle was administered SC along with the MPTP for 5 days, as well as for an additional 5 days following cessation of MPTP treatment. At 18 days following MPTP treatment, the mice were sacrificed and their brains were removed and sectioned. Immunostaining was performed on saggital and coronal brain sections using anti-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibodies to quantitate survival and recovery of dopaminergic neurons.

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Dynorphin-Induced Spinal Cord Injury

To examine the neuroprotective effect of NAALADase inhibitors on excitotoxic spinal cord injury in vivo, rats which had sustained dynorphin-induced spinal cord injury were treated with a vehicle or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid.

The results are graphically presented in FIG. 12.

When co-administered with dynorphin A, 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (4 μmoles) caused significant improvement in motor scores by 24-hour post-injection, as compared to vehicle treated rats (p<0.05, Kruskal-Wallis comparison). The rats were characterized as ambulatory or not on the basis of their assigned neurological scores (0 to 4). At 24 hours post-injection, 73% of the 15 rats co-treated with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid were ambulatory, in contrast to 14% of the 14 vehicle co-treated rats (p<0.05). These results indicate that 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid provides effective protection against dynorphin-induced spinal cord injury.

Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Dynorphin-Induced Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal Subarachnoid Injections

Dynorphin-induced spinal cord injury was performed according to Long et al., JPET, Vol. 269, No. 1, pp. 358-366 (1993). In brief, spinal subarachnoid injections were delivered using 30-gauge needles inserted between the L4-L5 vertebrae of male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-350 g). The rats were anesthetized with halothane and dorsal midline incisions were made immediately rostral to the pelvic girdle. By using the vertebral processes as guides, the needle was advanced to pass into the subarachnoid space surrounding the cauda equina. Correct needle placement was verified by CSF flow from the needle after its insertion. Injections were delivered using a Hamilton microsyringe in a total volume of 20 μl which contained dynorphin (20 nmol), the cannula flush and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or vehicle. After injections, the incisions were treated with the topical antibacterial furazolidone and closed with wound clips. Rapid recovery from the halothane anesthesia enabled neurological evaluations to be made within 5 minutes of injections.

Neurological Evaluations

Neurological function was evaluated using a 5-point ordinal scale, with scores being assigned as follows: 4=normal motor function; 3=mild paraparesis, with the ability to support weight and walk with impairment; 2=paraparesis, with the ability to make walking movements without fully supporting weight; 1=severe paraparesis, in which rats could make limited hind limb movement, but not walking movement; and 0=flaccid paralysis, with complete absence of any hind limb movement. Neurological evaluations were made 24 hours after dynorphin A injection.

Statistics

Differences in the neurological scores among treatment groups were determined by means of the Mann-Whitney U test or the Kruskal-Wallis test.

In Vitro Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

To examine the neuroprotective effect of NAALADase inhibitors on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), spinal cord organotypic cultures were treated with threohydroxyaspartate (THA), 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid, or THA combined with 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid, and assayed for choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) activity.

The ChAT activity for each treatment of the spinal cord organotypic cultures is provided below in TABLE XI and graphically presented in FIG. 13.

TABLE XI NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NAALADASE INHIBITORS IN SPINAL CORD CULTURE MODEL OF ALS ChAT Activity Treatment (% of Control) control 100 ± 22.1 2-(phosphonomethyl)- 108 ± 18.4 pentanedioic acid alone THA alone  36 ± 12.1 2-(phosphonomethyl)- 121 ± 18.8 pentanedioic acid and THA

As shown in FIG. 13, treatment of the spinal cord organotypic cultures with 100 μM THA resulted in a reduction of CHAT activity to approximately 36% of control cultures. Co-incubation of the cultures with THA and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (100 Nm-10 μM) significantly protected the cultures from THA toxicity.

The dose-response of this effect is provided below in TABLE XII and graphically presented in FIG. 14.

TABLE XII NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NAALADASE INHIBITORS IN SPINAL CORD CULTURE MODEL OF ALS ChAT Activity (% of Control) control 100.0 THA 0 THA and 1 Nm 2-(phosphonomethyl)- −23.9 ± 18.6 pentanedioic acid THA and 10 Nm 2-(phosphonomethyl)-  23.1 ± 12.5 pentanedioic acid THA and 100 Nm 2-(phosphonomethyl)-  87.5 ± 21.7 pentanedioic acid THA and 1 μM 2-(phosphonomethyl)- 187.7 ± 32.8 pentanedioic acid THA and 10 μM 2-(phosphonomethyl)- 128.7 ± 17.2 pentanedioic acid

Spinal cord cultures were incubated with various doses of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (1 Nm to 10 μM) in the presence of THA (100 μM) for 14 days. As shown in FIG. 14, 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid exhibited dose-dependent protection against THA-induced toxicity with maximal effects at 1 μM.

Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Spinal Cord Organotypic Cultures

Organotypic cultures were prepared from lumbar spinal cord of 8 day old rats, as described by Rothstein et al., J. Neurochem., Vol. 65, No. 2 (1995), and Rothstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 90, pp. 6591-6595 (July 1993). In brief, lumbar spinal cords were removed and sliced into 300 μM-thick-dorsal-ventral sections, and five slices were placed on Millipore CM semipermeable 30-mm-diameter membrane inserts. The inserts were placed on 1 ml of culture medium in 35-mm-diameter culture wells. Culture medium consisted of 50% minimal essential medium and phosphate-free HEPES (25 Mm), 25% heat-inactivated horse serum, and 25% Hanks' balanced salt solution (GIBCO) supplemented with D-glucose (25.6 mg/ml) and glutamine (2 Mm), at a final Ph of 7.2. Antibiotic and antifungal agents were not used. Cultures were incubated at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ containing humidified environment (Forma Scientific). Culture medium, along with any added pharmacological agents, was changed twice weekly.

Chronic Toxicity Model with THA

For all experiments, cultures were used 8 days after preparation at which time threohydroxyaspartate (THA; 100 μM), 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (100 Pm-10 μM), or THA (100 μM)±2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (100 Pm-10 μM) were added to the culture medium. Drugs were incubated for an additional 13 to 20 days with the 100 μM THA. At the end of this period, cultures were collected assayed for ChAT activity as described below.

CHAT Assays

To determine choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) activity, the spinal cord tissues in each dish (five slices) were pooled and frozen (−75° C.) until assay. CHAT activity was measured radiometrically by described methods using [³H]acetyl-CoA (Amersham; Fonnum, 1975). Protein content of tissue homogenate was determined by a Coomassi Protein Assay kit (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.).

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Ethanol Consumption in Alcohol-Preferring Rats

To test the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on ethanol consumption, alcohol-preferring rats were treated with saline or a 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg dose of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid prior to ethanol access. The ethanol intake of the rats following treatment is graphically presented in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the 200 mg/kg dose of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid exhibited no effect, whereas both the 50 and 100 mg/kg doses significantly reduced ethanol consumption by approximately 25% (p<0.05) during the 1 hour access period. Body weights and 24 hour water intakes were not altered at any of the 3 doses. If 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid is acting centrally, these data suggest that NAALADase may be involved in neuronal systems regulating alcohol-drinking behavior.

Saline Baseline: 8.9±0.7 200 mg/kg 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid: 8±0.5 Saline Baseline: 7.8±0.8 100 mg/kg 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid: 5.8±0.7 Saline Baseline: 8.1±0.6 50 mg/kg 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid: 6.2±0.9 Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Ethanol Consumption in Alcohol-Preferring Rats

The effect of systemic administration of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid was examined on ethanol intake in the alcohol-preferring (P) line of rats, as described by Panocka et al., Pharm. Biochem. and Behavior, Vol. 52, No. 2, pp. 255-259 (1995) and Murphy et al., Alcohol, Vol. 2, pp. 349-352 (1985). In brief, 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg IP) was tested in female P rats (n=8) given daily 1 hour scheduled access to a 10% (v/v)ethanol solution. A within-subject design was used where 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid treatments were tested once per week. Baseline ethanol drinking consisted of the mean of the 3 days prior to testing in which saline injections were given. 2-(Phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or saline, administered IP in 1 ml/kg volumes, were injected 10-15 minutes prior to ethanol access. 24 hour water and daily body weights were recorded to assess non-specific drug effects. Results were analyzed using paired t-tests with baseline and test day values serving as the independent variables. Ethanol intake was recorded as amount of solution consumed (mls).

In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Nicotine Self-Administration in Male Long-Evans Rats

To test the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on nicotine self-administration, male Long-Evans rats trained to self-administer nicotine were treated with a 200 mg/kg dose of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid prior to nicotine access. The cumulative nicotine intake of the rats following treatment is graphically presented in FIG. 16.

The results show that the 200 mg/kg dose of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid reduced nicotine self-administration from 23 to 5 infusions during the 1 hour access period. As graphically presented in FIG. 17, the cumulative food intake of the rats also decreased during the same period of time. While these data suggest that factors other than 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid may be responsible for the reduction in nicotine self-administration, they do not disprove NAALADase's involvement in the neuronal systems regulating nicotine use. The effect on the rats' food intake could be attributed to toxicity caused by an excessive drug dose.

Protocol for In Vivo Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Nicotine Self-Administration in Male Long-Evans Rats

Male Long-Evans rats were trained to self-administer nicotine on a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement, as described by Corrigall et al., Psychopharmacology, Vol. 104, No. 2, pp. 171-176 (1991) and Corrigall et al., Psychopharmacology, Vol. 107, Nos. 2-3, pp. 285-289 (1992). In brief, male Long-Evans rats were food deprived for a short period of time (24-48 hours) and trained to press a lever in an operant responding chamber on an FR-1 schedule of food reinforcement. Once trained, each rat was surgically prepared with a chronic intravenous catheter implanted into the jugular vein. The rats were allowed 1 week to recover from surgery.

After 1 week, nicotine self-administration studies were initiated on an FR-1 with a 60 second signaled time-out following each infusion. During time-out, responding on the lever had no scheduled consequence Nicotine self-administration sessions were 60 minutes in duration. Each nicotine infusion contained 30 μg of nicotine/kg rat and were delivered in a volume of 54 μl over an infusion duration of 0.3 seconds. 15 minutes before the self-administration sessions, the rats were pre-treated intraperitoneally with 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid at doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg. Food intake was monitored during the nicotine self-administration sessions to assess non-specific drug effects.

In Vitro Assay of NAALADase Inhibitors on Cancer

To examine the effect of NAALADase inhibitors on cancer cell line, LNCAP cells (a prostate cancer cell line) were treated with quisqualate acid (in concentrations ranging from 10 Nm to 1 μM) and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (in concentrations ranging from 100 Pm to 10 Nm). The 3H-thymidine measurement for each concentration of quisqualate acid and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid is provided in TABLE XIII below and graphically represented in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, respectively.

TABLE XIII 3H-Thymidine Incorporation (dpm/well) 2-(phosphonomethyl)- Dose Quisqualic Acid pentanedioic acid Control 4813 ± 572 4299 ± 887   10 Pm — 3078 ± 1006 100 Pm — 2062 ± 595   1 Nm 3668 ± 866 1001± 52   10 Nm 2137 ± 764 664 ± 366 100 Nm 1543 ± 312 —  1 μM 1295 ± 181 —

The results show that LNCAP cell proliferation (as measured by the incorporation of 3H-thymidine) decreased significantly as the concentration of the NAALADase inhibitors increased, suggesting that the compounds of the present invention would be effective in treating cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Protocol for In Vitro Cancer Assay

Cells in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) are plated in 24 well plates and allowed to adhere for 24 hours before addition of quisqualic acid (10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁶) or 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (10⁻¹¹ to 10⁻⁸) for 7 days. On the 7th day, the cells are pulsed with 3H-thymidine for 4 hours, harvested and measured for radioactivity. Values represent means SEM of 6 separate cell wells for each treatment. All experiments are performed at least twice.

To control for non-specific cytostatic effects of quisqualate acid and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid, the agents are simultaneously evaluated on a non-NAALADase containing prostate cell line, DU145 (Carter et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, (93) 749-753, 1996) If the treatments with quisqualate acid and 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic have no significant effect on cell growth, the NAALADase inhibiting activity of the agents are uniquely responsible for their cytostatic effects on prostate carcinoma cell lines.

Cell Lines and Tissue Culture

LNCAP cells are obtained from Dr. William Nelson at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Md. DU145 cells are obtained from American Type Culture Collection (Rockville, Md.). Cells are grown in RPMI-1640 media supplemented with 5% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum, 2 Mm-glutamine, 100 units/ml penicillin, and 100 μg/ml streptomycin (Paragon) in a humidified incubator at 37° C. in a 5% CO₂/95% air atmosphere.

[3H] Thymidine Incorporation Assays

The cells are suspended at 1×10³ cells/ml in RPMI-1640 media and seeded into 24-well plates at 500 μl per well. After 24 hour incubation, various concentrations of quisqualic acid (Sigma) or the potent NAALADase inhibitor 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (synthesized according to the methods of Jackson et al., J Med Chem 39(2) 619-622) is added to the wells and the plates are returned to the incubator. On days 3, 5 and 7, media and drug are refreshed. On the 8th day following seeding, each well is pulsed with 1 μCi ³H-thymidine (New England Nuclear) for 4 hours. Media is then removed and the wells washed 2 times with phosphate buffered saline (Ph=7.4). The contents of each well is subsequently solubilized 250 μl of 0.2 N NaOH and transferred to scintillation vials. 5 ml UltimaGold (Packard) scintillation cocktail is added and radioactivity is quantitated using a Beckman LS6001 scintillation counter.

The purity and/or identity of all synthetic compounds is ascertained by thin layer chromatography, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra are obtained using a Bruker spectrometer. Chemical shifts are reported in parts per million relative to tetramethylsilane as internal standard. Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is conducted on prelayered silica gel GHLF plates (Analtech, Newark, Del.). Visualization of the plates is accomplished by using UV light, phosphomolybdic acid-ethanol, and/or iodoplatinate charring. Flash chromatography is conducted on Kieselgel 60, 230-400 mesh (E. Merck, Darmstadt, West Germany). Solvents are either reagent or HPLC grade. Reactions are run at ambient temperature and under a nitrogen atmosphere unless otherwise noted. Solutions are evaporated under reduced pressure on a Buchi rotary evaporator.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to be limitations thereon. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are based upon 100% by weight of the final composition.

Example 1 Preparation of 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme IV: R=CH₃, R₁=CH₂Ph

Methyl-O-benzylphosphinic acid

Dichloromethylphosphite (10.0 g, 77 mmol) in 80 Ml of dry diethyl ether was cooled to −20° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. A solution of benzyl alcohol (23 g, 213 mmol) and triethylamine (10.2 g, 100 mmol) in 40 Ml of diethyl ether was added dropwise over 1 hour while maintaining an internal temperature range of 0° C. to 10° C. Once addition was complete the mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was filtered and the solid cake washed with 200 Ml of diethyl ether. The organics were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 25 g of a clear and colorless liquid. The liquid was purified by flash chromatography and eluted with a 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate to ethyl acetate gradient. The desired fractions were collected and evaporated to give methyl-O-benzylphosphinic acid (1, R=CH₃, R₁=CH₂Ph, 6.5 g, 50%) as a clear and colorless oil. Rf 0.1 (1:1, Hexane/EtOAc)

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.4 ppm (m, 5H), 7.1 ppm (d, 1H), 5.0 ppm (dd, 2H), 1.5 ppm, (d, 3H)

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(methyl)-O-benzylphosphinic acid

Methyl-O-benzylphosphinic acid (3.53 g, 20.7 mmol) in 200 Ml of dichloromethane was cooled to −5° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Triethylamine (3.2 g, 32 mmol) was added via syringe followed by trimethylsilyl chloride (2.9 g, 27 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred and warmed to room temperature over 1 hour. Dibenzyl 2-methylenepentanedioate (2, 6.0 g, 18.5 mmol) in 10 Ml of dichloromethane was added. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and trimethylaluminum (9 Ml, 18 mmol, 2.0 M in dichloromethane) was added. The flask was warmed and stirred for 72 hours. The clear light yellow solution was cooled to 5° C. and quenched by the slow addition of 5% hydrochloric acid. The quenched reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and the organic layer removed. The organic layer was washed with 5% hydrochloric acid and with water. The organics were dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 8 g of a clear light yellow oil. The oil was purified on silica gel and eluted with a gradient of 1:1 hexanes/ethyl acetate to 100% ethyl acetate. The desired fractions were collected and evaporated to give 2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(methyl)-O-benzylphosphinic acid (3, R=CH₃, R₁=CH₂Ph, 0.8 g, 8%) as a clear and colorless oil. Rf 0.5 (ethyl acetate).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.4 ppm (m, 15H), 5.1 ppm (m, 6H), 3.0 ppm (m, 1H), 2.4 ppm (m, 3H), 2.1 ppm (m, 3H), 1.5 ppm (dd, 3H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₂₈H₃₁O₆P, 0.5 H₂O: C, 68.01; H, 6.32. Found: C, 66.85; H, 6.35.

2-[(Methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(methyl)-O-benzylphosphinic acid (0.8 g, 1.6 mmol) in 20 Ml of water containing 100 mg of 10% Pd/C was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 4 hours. The mixture was filtered over a pad of Celite and evaporated at high vacuum to give 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid (4, R=CH₃, 0.28 g), 78% as a clear and colorless viscous oil.

¹H NMR (D₂O): 2.5 ppm (m, 1H), 2.2 ppm (t, 2H), 2.0 ppm (m, 1H), 1.7 ppm (m, 3H), 1.3 ppm (d, 3H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₇H₁₃₃O₆P, 0.2 H₂O: C, 36.92; H, 5.93. Found: C, 37.06; H, 6.31.

Example 2 Preparation of 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme IV: R=n-butyl, R₁=H

Butylphosphinic Acid

Diethyl chlorophosphite (25 g, 0.16 mol) in 60 Ml of dry ether was cooled to 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Butylmagnesium chloride (80 Ml, 0.16 mol, 2.0 M solution in ether) was added dropwise over a period of 2 hours while maintaining the internal temperature at 0° C. Once addition was complete the thick white slurry was heated to 30° C. for 1 hour. The suspension was filtered under a nitrogen atmosphere and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The clear light yellow liquid was then brought up in 15 Ml of water and stirred at room temperature. Concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.5 Ml) was then added and an exothermic reaction was observed. The mixture was stirred an additional 15 minutes and extracted with two 75 Ml portions of ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a clear and colorless liquid. The liquid was treated with NaOH (40 Ml, 2.0 M) and stirred for 1 hour. The mixture was then washed with diethyl ether and acidified to Ph 1.0. The desired material was extracted from the acidified extract with two 100 Ml portions of ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give butylphosphinic acid (1, R=n-butyl, R₁=H, 10 g, 51%) as a clear and colorless liquid.

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 6.9 ppm (d, 1H), 1.6 ppm (m, 2H), 1.4 ppm (m, 4H), 0.9 ppm (t, 3H).

Butyl[2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl]phosphinic acid

Butylphosphinic acid (2.0 g, 16 mmol) in 80 Ml of dry dichloromethane was cooled to 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Triethylamine (6.7 g, 66 mmol) was added followed by trimethylsilyl chloride (58 Ml, 58 mmol, 1.0 M in dichloromethane). The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 10 minutes and dibenzyl 2-methylenepentanedioate (2) (6.4 g, 20 mmol) in 20 Ml of dichloromethane was added. The cold bath was removed and the reaction warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was then cooled to 0° C. and quenched by the slow addition of 5% hydrochloric acid (50 Ml). The dichloromethane layer was then removed and washed with 5% hydrochloric acid and with brine. The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a clear light golden liquid. The liquid was purified by flash chromatography and eluted with 3:1 hexane/ethyl acetate containing 5% acetic acid. The desired fractions were combined and evaporated to give butyl[2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl]phosphinic acid (3, R=n-butyl, R₁=H) (2.9 g, 40%) as a clear and colorless oil. Rf 0.12 (3:1 Hexane/EtOAc, 5% AcOH).

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.3 ppm (m, 10H), 5.0 ppm (s, 4H), 2.7 ppm (m, 1H), 2.3 ppm (t, 2H), 1.8 ppm (m, 2H), 1.3 ppm (m, 4H), 0.8 ppm (t, 3H).

2-[(Butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Butyl[2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl]phosphinic acid (2.9 g, 6.5 mmol) in 30 Ml of water containing 0.32 g 10% Pd/C was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 4.5 hours. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and evaporated under high vacuum to give 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]-pentanedioic acid (4, R=n-butyl) (0.75 g, 43%) as a clear and colorless viscous oil.

¹H NMR (D₂O): 2.4 ppm (m, 1H), 2.1 ppm (t, 2H), 1.9 ppm (m, 1H), 1.6 ppm (m, 3H), 1.4 ppm (m, 2H), 1.1 ppm (m, 4H), 0.6 ppm (t, 3H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₀H₁₉O₆P, 0.5 H₂O: C, 43.64; H, 7.32. Found: C, 43.25; H, 7.12.

Example 3 Preparation of 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme IV: R=CH₂Ph, R₁=H

Benzylphosphinic acid

Diethylchlorophosphite (25 g, 0.16 mol) in 100 Ml of dry diethyl ether was cooled to 0° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Benzylmagnesium chloride (80 Ml, 0.16 mol, 2.0 M solution in Et₂O) was added dropwise over two hours while maintaining a temperature below 10° C. A thick white slurry formed and stirring was continued at room temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was filtered under a nitrogen atmosphere and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure to give a clear and colorless liquid. The liquid was stirred as 15 Ml of water was added followed by 0.5 ml concentrated hydrochloric acid. An exothermic reaction was observed and stirring was continued for an additional 30 minutes followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The clear light golden liquid was added to sodium hydroxide (50 Ml, 2.0 M NaOH), stirred for 1 hour and washed with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was acidified to Ph 1.0 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give benzylphosphinic acid (1, R=CH₂Ph, R₁=H) (8 g, 32%) as a clear light golden oil.

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.3 ppm (m, 5H), 6.9 ppm (d, 1H), 3.1 ppm (d, 2H).

Benzyl[2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl]phosphinic acid

Benzylphosphinic acid (2.3 g, 15 mmol) in 150 Ml of dry dichloromethane was cooled to 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. Triethylamine (6.5 g, 65 mmol) was added followed by trimethylsilyl chloride (5.8 g, 54 mmol) while the reaction temperature was maintained at 0° C. After 30 minutes dibenzyl 2-methylene-pentanedioate (2) (4.4 g, 13.6 mmol) in 20 Ml of dichloromethane was added over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The clear solution was cooled to 0° C. and quenched with 5% hydrochloric acid followed by removal of the organic layer. The organic layer was washed with 5% hydrochloric acid and with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a clear yellow liquid. Purification by flash chromatography and elution with 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate containing 10% acetic acid yielded 2.0 g (28%) of benzyl[2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl]-phosphinic acid (3, R=CH₂Ph, R₁=H) as a clear light yellow oil. Rf 0.37 (1:1 Hexane/EtOAc, 10% AcOH).

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.2 ppm (m, 15H), 5.0 ppm (s, 4H), 3.0 (d, 2H), 2.8 ppm (m, 1H), 2.3 ppm (t, 2H), 1.9 ppm (m, 2H), 1.7 ppm (t, 1H).

2-[(Benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Benzyl[2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl]phosphinic acid (0.5 g, 1.0 mmol) in 20 Ml of water containing 120 mg of 10% Pd/C was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 6 hours. Filtration through a Celite pad followed by evaporation on high vacuum gave 0.17 g (57%) of 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]-pentanedioic acid (4, R=CH₂Ph) as a white solid.

¹H NMR (D₂O): 7.1 ppm (m, 5H), 2.9 ppm (d, 2H), 2.4 ppm (m, 1H), 2.1 ppm (t, 2H), 1.8 ppm (m, 1H), 1.6 ppm (m, 3H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₃H₁₇O₆P: C, 52.00; H, 5.71. Found: C, 51.48; H, 5.70.

Example 4 Preparation of 2-[phenylethylhdroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme IV: R=CH₂CH₂Ph, R₁=H

Phenethylphosphinic acid

Diethylchlorophosphite (15.6 g, 0.1 mol) in 100 Ml of dry diethyl ether was cooled to 5° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Phenethylmagnesium chloride (100 Ml, 0.1 mol, 1.0 M in THF) was added dropwise over 2 hours while maintaining a temperature between 0-10° C. A thick white slurry formed and stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered under a nitrogen atmosphere and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure to give a clear and colorless liquid. The liquid was stirred as 15 Ml of water was added followed by 0.5 Ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid. An exothermic reaction was observed and stirring continued for 15 minutes followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. The clear liquid was brought up in sodium hydroxide (40 Ml, 2.0 M NaOH), stirred for 1 hour and washed once with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was acidified to Ph 1.0 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give phenethylphosphinic acid (1, R=CH₂CH₂Ph, R₁=H)(9.8 g, 58%) as a clear light yellow oil.

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.2 ppm (m, 5H), 6.9 ppm (d, 1H), 2.8 ppm (m, 2H), 1.9 ppm (m, 2H).

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(phenethyl)phosphinic acid

Phenethylphosphinic acid (1.0 g, 5.9 mmol) in 50 Ml of dry dichloromethane was cooled to −5° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. Triethylamine (2.3 g, 23 mmol) was added followed by trimethylsilyl chloride (2.2 g, 21 mmol) while the reaction temperature was maintained at 0° C. After 10 minutes dibenzyl 2-methylenepentanedioate (2) (1.7 g, 5.2 mmol) in 10 Ml of dichloromethane was added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was left to warm to room temperature and stirred overnight. The clear solution was cooled to 0° C. and quenched with 5% hydrochloric acid followed by removal of the organic layer. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated to give a clear light golden liquid. Purification by flash chromatography and elution with 1:1 Hexane/EtOAc containing 5% AcOH yielded 1.2 g (41%) of 2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(phenethyl) phosphinic acid (3, R CH₂CH₂Ph, R₁=H) as a clear and colorless oil.

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.2 ppm (m, 15H), 5.0 ppm (s, 4H), 3.3 ppm (m, 1H), 2.8 ppm (m, 4H), 2.3 ppm (m, 2H), 1.8 ppm (m, 4H).

2-[(Phenethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(phenethyl)-phosphinic acid (1.1 g, 2.2 mmol) in 20 Ml of water containing 120 mg of 10% Pd/C was hydrogenated at 40 psi overnight. Filtration through a Celite pad followed by evaporation on high vacuum gave 0.8 g (114%) of 2-[(phenethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid (4, R=CH₂CH₂Ph) as a white solid.

¹H NMR (D₂O): 7.2 ppm (m,5H), 2.7 ppm (m,2H), 2.5 ppm (m,1H), 2.3 ppm (t,2H), 1.9 ppm (m,6H), 1.5 ppm (t,1H)

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₄H₁₉O₆P , 0.75H₂O, 0.5 AcOH: C, 50.35; H, 6.34. Found: C, 50.26; H, 5.78.

Example 5 Preparation of 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme IV: R=CH₂CH₂CH₂Ph, R₁=H

3-Phenylpropylphosphinic Acid

To magnesium turnings (2.44 g, 0.10 mol) in 20 Ml of dry diethyl ether under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added several iodine crystals. Phenylpropyl bromide (20.0 g, 0.10 mol) in 80 Ml of diethyl ether was placed in a dropping funnel. Approximately 10 Ml of the bromide solution was added to the magnesium turnings and stirring was initiated. After several minutes the iodine was consumed and additional phenylpropyl bromide was added while maintaining a temperature of 35° C. Once addition was complete (1.5 hours) the mixture was sealed and stored at 5° C. Diethylchlorophosphite (15.7 g, 0.1 mol) in 50 Ml of dry diethyl ether was cooled to 5° C. under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Phenethylmagnesium bromide (100 Ml, 0.1 mol, 1.0 M solution of in Et₂O) was added dropwise over 2 hours while maintaining a temperature between 0-10° C. A thick white slurry formed and was stirred for an additional 30 minutes. The mixture was filtered under a nitrogen atmosphere and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure to give a clear and colorless liquid. To the liquid was added 20 Ml of water followed by 0.5 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid. An exothermic reaction was observed and stirring continued for 20 minutes followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. To the clear liquid was added sodium hydroxide (40 Ml, 2.0 M NaOH), the resulting solution stirred for 1 hour and then washed with diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was acidified to Ph 1.0 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The organics were combined, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give 3-phenylpropylphosphinic acid (1, R=CH₂CH₂CH₂Ph, R₁=H) (9.8 g, 53%) as a clear and colorless oil.

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.2 ppm (m, 5H), 6.9 ppm (d, 1H), 2.6 ppm (t, 2H), 1.7 ppm (m, 2H), 1.6 ppm (m, 2H).

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(3-phenylpropyl)-phosphinic acid

3-phenylpropylphosphinic acid (1.0 g, 5.4 mmol) in 50 Ml of dry dichloromethane was cooled to −5° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. Triethylamine (2.2 g, 22 mmol) was added followed by trimethylsilyl chloride (2.1 g, 19 mmol) while the reaction temperature was maintained at 0° C. After 10 minutes dibenzyl 2-methylenepentanedioate (2) (1.6 g, 4.9 mmol) in 10 Ml of dichloromethane was added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The clear solution was cooled to 0° C. and quenched with 5% hydrochloric acid followed by removal of the organic layer. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a clear yellow liquid. Purification by flash chromatography and elution with 4:1 hexane/ethyl acetate containing 5% acetic acid resulted in 1.5 g (56%) of 2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)-butyl(3-phenylpropyl)phosphinic acid (3, R=CH₂CH₂CH₂Ph, R₁=H) as a clear light yellow oil. Rf 0.58 (1:1 Hexane/EtOAc, 5% AcOH).

¹H NMR (d6-DMSO): 7.2 ppm (m, 15H), 5.0 ppm (s, 4H), 2.7 ppm (m, 1H), 2.5 ppm (m, 5H), 2.2 ppm (m, 2H), 1.8 ppm (m, 3H), 1.6 ppm (m, 2H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₂₉H₃₃O₆P, 1.3 H₂O: C, 65.48; H 6.75. Found: C, 65.24; H, 6.39.

2-[(3-Phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(3-phenylpropyl)-phosphinic acid (15) (1.4 g, 2.8 mmol) in 20 Ml of water containing 150 mg of 10% Pd/C was hydrogenated at 40 psi overnight. Filtration through a Celite pad followed by evaporation on high vacuum gave 0.8 g (89%) of 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid (4, R=CH₂CH₂CH₂Ph) as a light yellow viscous oil.

¹H NMR (D₂O): 7.4 ppm (m, 5H), 2.7 ppm (m, 3H), 2.4 ppm (t, 3H), 1.8 ppm (m, 7H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₅H₂₁O₆P, 0.75 H₂O, 0.75 AcOH: C, 51.23; H, 6.64. Found: C, 50.85; H, 6.02.

Example 6 Preparation of 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme V: Compound 5, R=4-methylbenzyl

Hexamethyldisilazane (21.1 Ml, 100 mmol) was added to vigorously stirred ammonium phosphinate (8.30 g, 100 mmol), and the resulting suspension was stirred at 105° C. for 2 hours. A solution of 4-methylbenzyl bromide (5.0 g, 27.0 mmol) was then added dropwise to the suspension at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 19 hours. The reaction mixture was then diluted with dichloromethane (50 Ml) and washed with 1 N Hcl (50 Ml). The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated to give 4.72 g of a white solid. This was dissolved in dichloromethane (50 Ml) and benzyl alcohol (3.24 g, 30 mmol) was added to the solution. 1,3-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (6.19 g, 30 mmol) was then added to the solution at 0° C., and the suspension was stirred at room temperature for 14 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was suspended in EtOAc. The resulting suspension was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography (hexanes: EtOAc, 4:1 to 1:1) to give 2.40 g of 4-methylbenzyl-O-benzylphosphinic acid (2, R=4-methylbenzyl) as a white solid (34% yield). Rf 0.42 (EtOAc).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ2.30 (s, 3H), 3.29 (d, 2H), 5.2 (m, 2H), 7.0 (d, 1H), 7.1-7.2 (m, 4H), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H).

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)-butyl(4-methylbenzyl)-o-benzylphosphinic acid

To a solution of 4-methylbenzyl-O-benzylphosphinic acid (2, R=4-methylbenzyl) (2.16 g, 8.3 mmol) in THF (15 Ml) was added sodium hydride (0.10 g, 60% dispersion in oil) followed by dibenzyl 2-methylenepentanedioate (3) (3.24 g) at 0° C., and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was then diluted with EtOAc (50 Ml) and poured into 1 N Hcl (50 Ml). The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO₄, and concentrated. This material was purified by silica gel chromatography (hexanes: EtOAc, 4:1 to 1:1) to give 3.41 g of 2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)-butyl(4-methylbenzyl)-o-benzylphosphinic acid (4, R=4-methylbenzyl) as colorless oil (70% yield). Rf 0.61 (EtOAc).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ1.6-1.8 (m, 1H), 1.9-2.0 (m, 2H), 2.1-2.4 (m, 6H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 1H), 3.05 (dd, 2H), 4.8-5.1 (m, 6H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 4H), 7.2-7.4 (m, 15H).

2-[[(4-Methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid

To a solution of 2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl(4-methylbenzyl)-o-benzylphosphinic acid (0.70 g, 1.2 mmol) in ethanol (30 Ml) was added Pd/C (5%, 0.10 g) and the suspension was shaken under hydrogen (50 psi) for 18 hours. The suspension was then filtered through a pad of Celite and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was dissolved in distilled water (5 Ml), passed through a column of AG 50W-X8 resin (H⁺ form), and lyophilized to give 0.21 g of 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]-pentanedioic acid (5, R=4-methylbenzyl) as a white solid (55% yield) . Rf 0.62 (i-PrOH: H₂O, 7:3).

¹H NMR (D₂O): δ1.7-1.9 (m, 3H), 2.0-2.2 (m, 1H), 2.33 (dt, 7.4 Hz, 2H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 1H), 3.12 (d, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 2H). Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₃H₁₇O₆P, 0.30 H₂O: C, 52.60; H, 6.18. Found: C, 52.60; H, 6.28.

Example 7 Preparation of 2-[[(4-Fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme V: R=4-fluorobenzyl

Prepared as described in the above example where R=methylbenzyl. Rf 0.64 (i-PrOH:H₂O, 7:3).

¹H NMR (D₂O): δ1.7-1.9 (m, 3H), 2.0-2.2 (m, 1H), 2.3-2.4 (m, 2H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 1H), 3.12 (d, 2H), 7.0-7.1 (m, 2H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 2H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₃H₁₆FO₆P, 0.25 H₂O: C, 48.38; H, 5.15. Found: C, 48.38; H, 5.15.

Example 8 Preparation of 2-[[(4-Methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme V: R=4-methoxybenzyl

Prepared as described in the above example where R=methylbenzyl. Rf 0.56 (i-PrOH: H₂O, 7:3).

¹H NMR (D₂O): δ1.8-1.9 (m, 3H), 2.0-2.2 (m, 1H), 2.3-2.4 (m, 2H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 1H), 3.16 (d, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 6.98 (d, 2H), 7.25 (d, 2H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₄H₁₉O₇P, 0.30 H₂O: C, 50.09; H, 5.89. Found: C, 49.98; H, 5.80.

Example 9 Preparation of 2-[[(2-Fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme V: R=2-fluorobenzyl)

Prepared as described in the above example where R=methylbenzyl. Rf 0.67 (i-PrOH: H₂O, 7:3).

¹H NMR (D₂O): δ1.8-1.9 (m, 3H), 2.0-2.2 (m, 1H), 2.3-2.4 (m, 2H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 1H), 3.28 (d, 2H), 7.1-7.5 (m, 4H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₃H₁₆FO₆P, 0.10 H₂O: C, 48.79; H, 5.10. Found: C, 48.84; H, 5.14.

Example 10 Preparation of 2-[[(Pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme V: R=pentafluorobenzyl

Prepared as described in the above example where R=methylbenzyl. Rf 0.69 (i-PrOH: H₂O, 7:3).

¹H NMR (D₂O): δ1.8-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.1-2.3 (m, 1H), 2.3-2.5 (m, 2H), 2.7-2.9 (m, 1H), 3.29 (d, 2H).

Elemental Analysis Calculated C₁₃H₁₂F₅O₆P, 0.45 H₂O: C, 39.20; H, 3.26. Found: C, 39.17; H, 3.28.

Example 11 Preparation of 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid

Scheme VI, Compound 9

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butylphosphinic acid (6)

Ammonium phosphinate (10 g, 0.12 mol) was placed in a round bottom flask with stirring under an atmosphere of nitrogen. Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS, 25.5 Ml, 0.12 mol) was added and the mixture heated to 110° C. After two hours the mixture was cooled to 0° C. and dichloromethane (120 ml) was added. After this was complete, dibenzyl-2-methylene pentanedioate (41 g, 0.13 mol) was added dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 16 hours. The mixture was then quenched with 5% Hcl (75 ml) and the organic layer removed. The organics were dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 42 g (90%) of a clear and colorless oil.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.36 ppm (m, 10H), 7.1 ppm (d, 1H), 5.19 ppm (s, 2H), 5.15 ppm (s, 2H), 2.92 ppm (m, 1H), 2.21 ppm (m, 6H).

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butylbenzylphosphinic acid (7)

To a solution of 2,4-di-(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl-phosphinic acid (6) (19.3 g, 49.4 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran was added benzyl alcohol (5.3 g, 49.3 mmol) and dimethylamino pyridine (0.5 g). Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC, 12 g, 58 mmol) was added and a white precipitate formed. After 30 minutes the white suspension was filtered and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The clear and colorless oil was purified by flash chromatography and eluted with 1:1 Hexane/EtOAc to give 2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butylbenzylphosphinic acid (7) (11.5 g, 47%) as a clear and colorless oil. Rf 0.16 (1:1 Hexane/EtOAc).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.3 ppm (m, 15H), 7.2 ppm (d, 1H), 5.0 ppm (m, 6H), 2.9 ppm (m, 1H), 2.2 ppm (m, 3H), 1.9 ppm (m, 3H).

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl[hydroxy(phenyl)methyl]benzylphosphinic acid (8)

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butylbenzylphosphinic acid (7) in 5 Ml of dry THF was added dropwise to a stirring cooled (0° C.) mixture of sodium hydride (0.09 g, 2.3 mmol) in 15 Ml of THF. After 15 minutes benzaldehyde (0.23 g, 2.2 mmol) was added via syringe while maintaining a temperature of 0° C. After 30 minutes the mixture was quenched with water and extracted with two portions of dichloromethane. The organics were combined and evaporated to give a clear colorless oil. The oil was chromatographed on silica and eluted with a 1:1 Hexane/EtOAc solvent system. The desired fractions were collected and evaporated to give 0.4 g (33%) of 2,4-di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl[hydroxy(phenyl)methyl]benzylphosphinic acid (6) as a clear and colorless oil. Rf 0.18 (1:1 Hexane/EtOAc).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.3 ppm (m, 20H), 5.2 ppm (m, 1H), 4.9 ppm (m, 6H), 2.8 ppm (dm, 1H), 2.2 ppm (m, 3H), 1.9 ppm (m, 3H).

2-([Hydroxy(phenyl)methyl]hydroxyphosphinylmethyl)-pentanedioic acid (9)

2,4-Di(benzyloxycarbonyl)butyl[hydroxy(phenyl)methyl]benzylphosphinic acid (6) (0.37 g, 0.6 mmol) in 25 Ml of water containing 0.10 g of 10% Pd/C was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 6 hours. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and lyophilized to give 2-([hydroxy(phenyl)methyl]hydroxyphosphinylmethyl)pentanedioic acid (9) (0.14 g, 70%) as a white solid.

¹H NMR (D₂O): 7.4 ppm (m, 5H), 5.0 ppm (d, 1H), 2.7 ppm (m, 1H), 2.4 ppm (m, 2H), 2.2 ppm (m, 1H), 1.9 ppm (m, 3H).

Elemental Analysis: Calculated C₁₃H₁₇O₇P, 0.6 H₂O: C, 47.74; H, 5.61. Found: C, 47.73; H, 5.68.

Example 12 Preparation of dibenzyl 2-methylenepentanedioate using Scheme III

Benzyl acrylate (500 g, 3.0 mol) was heated in an oil bath to 100° C. Heating was stopped and HMPT (10 g, 61 mmol) was added dropwise while maintaining an internal temperature below 140° C. Once addition was complete, the mixture was stirred and cooled to room temperature. A slurry of silica (5:1 Hexane/EtOAc) was added and the mixture was placed in a column containing a plug of dry silica. The column was washed with 1:1 Hexane/EtOAc and the fractions were combined and evaporated to give 450 g of clear light golden liquid. The liquid was distilled under high vacuum (200 μHg) at 185° C. to give 212 g (42%) of a clear and colorless liquid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.3 ppm (m, 10H), 6.2 ppm (s, 1H), 5.6 ppm (s, 1H), 5.2 ppm (s, 2H), 5.1 ppm (s, 2H), 2.6 ppm (m, 4H).

Example 13 Preparation of dibenzyl 2-[[bis(benzyloxy)phosphoryl]methyl]pentanedioate using Scheme III

Dibenzyl phosphite (9.5 g, 36 mmol) in 350 ml of dichloromethane was cooled to 0° C. To this stirring solution was added trimethyl aluminum (18.2 ml, 2.0 M solution in hexane, 36.4 mmol). After 30 minutes, dibenzyl 2-methylenepentanedioate (2) (6.0 g, 37 mmol) in 90 ml of dichloromethane was added dropwise over 10 minutes. The clear and colorless solution was then warmed to room temperature and left to stir overnight. The mixture was then quenched by the slow addition of 5% Hcl. After stirring an additional 1.5 hours the lower organic layer was removed and the aqueous layer extracted once with 100 ml of dichloromethane. The organics were combined, dried (MgSO₄), and evaporated to give a clear light golden liquid. The liquid was chromatographed on silica gel (4 cm*30 cm) and eluted with a gradient (4:1-1:1) solvent system (Hexane/EtOAc). The fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated to yield dibenzyl 2-[[bis(benzyloxy)phosphoryl]methyl]pentanedioate (7.1 g, 42%) as a clear and colorless liquid. The liquid was then distilled on a Kughleror apparatus at 0.5 mm Hg and 195-200° C. The distillate was discarded and the remaining light golden oil was chromatographed on silica gel (1:1, Hexane/EtOAc) to give 2.9 g of dibenzyl 2-[[bis(benzyloxy)phosphoryl]methyl]pentanedioate as a clear and colorless oil. TLC Rf 0.5 (1:1 Hexane/EtOAc).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.1-7.4 (m, 20H), 5.05 (s, 2H), 4.8-5.03 (m, 6H), 2.8 (1H), 2.22-2.40 (m, 3H), 1.80-2.02 (m, 3H).

Example 14 Preparation of 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid (Compound 3) using Scheme III

Benzyl pentanedioate 2(2.9 g, 4.9 mmol) was added to a mixture of 20 ml of methanol containing 0.29 g (6 mol %) of 10% Pd/C. This mixture was hydrogenated at 40 psi for 24 hours, filtered and evaporated to give 3(1.0 g, 90%) as a clear slightly golden viscous oil.

¹H NMR (D₂O): 2.6-2.78 (m, 1H), 2.25-2.40 (m, 2H), 1.75-2.15 (m, 4H).

Example 15

A patient is at risk of injury from an ischemic event. The patient may be pretreated with an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the pretreatment, the patient would be protected from any injury due to the ischemic event.

Example 16

A patient is suffering from an ischemic event. The patient may be administered during or after the event, an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would recover or would not suffer any significant injury due to the ischemic event.

Example 17

A patient has suffered injury from an ischemic event. The patient may be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would recover from the injury due to the ischemic event.

Example 18

A patient is suffering from a glutamate abnormality. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further injury due to the glutamate abnormality or would recover from the glutamate abnormality.

Example 19

A patient is suffering from or has suffered from a nervous insult, such as that arising from a neurodegenerative disease or a neurodegenerative process. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further injury due to the nervous insult or would recover from the nervous insult.

Example 20

A patient is suffering from Parkinson's disease. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further neurodegeneration or would recover from Parkinson's disease.

Example 21

A patient is suffering from ALS. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further neurodegeneration or would recover from ALS.

Example 22

A patient is suffering from epilepsy. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further neurodegeneration or would recover from epilepsy.

Example 23

A patient is suffering from abnormalities in myelination/demyelination processes. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further neurodegeneration or would recover from the abnormalities in myelination/demyelination processes.

Example 24

A patient is suffering from or has suffered from a cerebrovascular accident, such as stroke. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any injury due to the cerebrovascular accident.

Example 25

A patient is suffering from a head trauma. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any ischemic brain, spinal or peripheral injury resulting from the head trauma.

Example 26

A patient is suffering from a spinal trauma. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after-the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any ischemic injury resulting from the spinal trauma.

Example 27

A patient is about to undergo surgery. The patient may be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would not develop any ischemic brain, spinal or peripheral injury resulting from or associated with the surgery.

Example 28

A patient is suffering from focal ischemia, such as that associated with thromboembolytic occlusion of a cerebral vessel, traumatic head injury, edema or brain tumors. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any brain, spinal or peripheral injury resulting from the focal ischemia.

Example 29

A patient is suffering from global ischemia. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any brain, spinal or peripheral injury resulting from the global ischemia.

Example 30

A patient is suffering from a cardiac arrest. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any ischemic brain, spinal or peripheral injury associated with the cardiac arrest.

Example 31

A patient is suffering from hypoxia, asphyxia or perinatal asphyxia. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any ischemic brain, spinal or peripheral injury associated with the hypoxia, asphyxia or perinatal asphyxia.

Example 32

A patient is suffering from a cerebro-cortical injury. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any ischemic brain injury resulting from the cerebro-cortical injury.

Example 33

The patient is suffering from an injury to the caudate nucleus. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from or would recover from any ischemic brain injury resulting from the injury to the caudate nucleus.

Example 34

A patient is suffering from a cortical injury due to a condition identified in these examples. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further injury, or would exhibit at least 65% to at least 80% recovery from the cortical injury.

Example 35

A patient is suffering from multiple sclerosis. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further demyelination or would recover from multiple sclerosis.

Example 36

A patient is suffering from a peripheral neuropathy caused by Guillain-Barré syndrome. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from further demyelination or would recover from the peripheral neuropathy.

Example 37

The patient is suffering from alcoholism. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's craving for alcohol would be suppressed.

Example 38

A patient is suffering from nicotine dependence. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's craving for nicotine would be suppressed.

Example 39

The patient is suffering from cocaine dependence. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's craving for cocaine would be suppressed.

Example 40

A patient is suffering from heroine dependence. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's craving for heroine would be suppressed.

Example 41

The patient is suffering from compulsive overeating, obesity or severe obesity. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's compulsion to eat would be suppressed.

Example 42

A patient is suffering from pathological gambling. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's compulsion to gamble would be suppressed.

Example 43

The patient is suffering from ADD. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity would be suppressed.

Example 44

A patient is suffering from Tourette's syndrome. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient's simple, complex, respiratory and vocal tics would be suppressed.

Example 45

A patient is suffering from adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention. After this initial treatment, the patient may optionally be administered the same or a different compound of the present invention in intermittent or continuous doses by subdural pump. It is expected that the treatment(s) would prevent recurrences of the adenocarcinoma, or inhibit (i.e., arrest development of) or relieve (i.e., cause regression of) the adenocarcinoma tumor cells.

Example 46

A patient is suffering from adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention by direct injection into the tumor. After this initial treatment, the patient may optionally be administered an effective amount of the same or a different compound of the present invention in intermittent or continuous doses by implantation of a biocompatible polymeric matrix delivery system. It is expected that the treatment(s) would prevent recurrences of the adenocarcinoma, or inhibit (i.e., arrest development of) or relieve (i.e., cause regression of) the adenocarcinoma tumor cells.

Example 47

A patient is diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patient may then be administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention by direct injection into the tumor. After this initial treatment, the patient may optionally be administered the same or a different compound of the present invention in intermittent or continuous doses by injection, subdural pump or polymeric matrix implant. It is expected that after the treatment(s), the benign prostatic hyperplastic cells would not develop into carcinoma.

Example 48

A patient is suffering from adenocarcinoma of the prostate. The adenocarcinoma does not appear to have metastasized. The patient undergoes surgery to remove the adenocarcinoma. After post-surgical recovery, the patient may be locally administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention in intermittent or continuous doses by injection, subdural pump or polymeric matrix implant. It is expected that after the treatment, the patient would be protected from recurrences of the adenocarcinoma, and any residual tumorous cells would be inhibited (i.e., arrested in development) or relieved (i.e., caused to regress).

Example 49

A patient is suffering from metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Although the adenocarcinoma appears to have metastasized, the patient nevertheless undergoes surgery to remove the adenocarcinoma. The patient may then be locally administered an effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention approximately from the time of initial diagnosis through post-surgical recovery. After post-surgical recovery, the patient may continue the same treatment by a regimen of periodic local administration, and carefully monitored for adverse side-effects. It is expected that after the treatments, the patient would be protected from recurrences of the adenocarcinoma, and any residual tumorous cells would be inhibited (i.e., arrested in development) or relieved (i.e., caused to regress).

Example 50

A patient is suffering from cancer as defined herein. An effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered directly to the cancer cells. After this initial treatment, the patient may be optionally administered an effective amount of the same or a different compound of the present invention by direct injection, subdural pump or implantation of a biocompatible polymeric matrix delivery system. It is expected that after the treatment(s), the patient would be protected from recurrences of the cancer, and the cancer would be inhibited (i.e., arrested in development) or relieved (i.e., caused to regress).

Example 51

A patient is diagnosed with a disease, disorder or condition as identified in these examples. An effective amount of a compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may then be administered to the patient intravenously, intramuscularly, intraventricularly to the brain, rectally, subcutaneously, intranasally, through a catheter with or without a pump, orally, through a transdermal patch, topically, or through a polymer implant. After the treatment, the patient's condition would be expected to improve.

Example 52

A patient is diagnosed with a disease, disorder or condition as identified in these examples. A compound or a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may then be administered to the patient in the form of a 100 mg/kg bolus, optionally followed by a 20 mg/kg per hour intravenous infusion over a two-hour period. After the treatment, the patient's condition would be expected to improve.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor.
 2. The prodrug of claim 1, wherein the NAALADase inhibitor is a compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅; R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, hydroxy and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar, provided that R₂ is —(CH₂)₂CO₂H when X is CR₃R₄; Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 3. The prodrug of claim 2, wherein X is CH₂.
 4. The prodrug claim 3, wherein R₂ is substituted with carboxy.
 5. The prodrug of claim 4, wherein: R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl; and R₂ is C₁-C₂ alkyl.
 6. The prodrug of claim 5, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid; [2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid;] 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminomethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminoethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminopropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 7. The prodrug of claim 6, wherein the compound is 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof.
 8. A compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O; R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂, provided that R₂ is —(CH₂)₂CO₂H when X is CR₅R₆; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo; Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 9. The compound of claim 8, wherein: R₄ is hydrogen; and R₃ is substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, and benzyloxy.
 10. The compound of claim 9, which is selected from the group consisting of: 2-[(benzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylbenzyloxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzyl(1-oxopropoxy)methoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzyl(1-oxo-propoxy)phosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 11. A method of treating a glutamate abnormality in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the prodrug is administered in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the glutamate abnormality is selected from the group consisting of epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's Disease, schizophrenia, chronic pain, ischemia, peripheral neuropathy, traumatic brain injury and physical damage to the spinal cord.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the glutamate abnormality is ischemia.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the glutamate abnormality is stroke.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein the glutamate abnormality is Parkinson's Disease.
 17. The method of claim 13, wherein the glutamate abnormality is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the glutamate abnormality is ischemic spinal cord injury.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the NAALADase inhibitor is a glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅; R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein X is CH₂.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein R₂ is substituted with carboxy.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein: R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl; and R₂ is C₁-C₂ alkyl.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is selected from the group consisting of: 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid; 2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid; 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminomethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminoethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminopropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof.
 25. The method of claim 11, wherein the prodrug is a compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O; R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo; Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein: R₄ is hydrogen; and R₃ is substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, and benzyloxy.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the prodrug is selected from the group consisting of: 2-[(benzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylbenzyloxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzyl(1-oxopropoxy)methoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzyl(1-oxo-propoxy)phosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 28. A method of effecting a neuronal activity in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the prodrug is administered in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein the neuronal activity is selected from the group consisting of stimulation of damaged neurons, promotion of neuronal regeneration, prevention of neurodegeneration, and treatment of a neurological disorder.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the neurological disorder is selected from the group consisting of peripheral neuropathy caused by physical injury or disease state, traumatic brain injury, physical damage to the spinal cord, stroke associated with brain damage, demyelinating disease and neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the peripheral neuropathy is caused by Guillain-Barré syndrome.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein the demyelinating disease is multiple sclerosis.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein the neurological disorder relating to neurodegeneration is selected from the group consisting of Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
 35. The method of claim 28, wherein the NAALADase inhibitor is a glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅; R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein X is CH₂.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein R₂ is substituted with carboxy.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein: R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl; and R₂ is C₁-C₂ alkyl.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is selected from the group consisting of: 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid; 2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid; 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminomethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminoethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminopropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof.
 41. The method of claim 28, wherein the prodrug is a compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O; R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo; Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein: R₄ is hydrogen; and R₃ is substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, and benzyloxy.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the prodrug is selected from the group consisting of: 2-[(benzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylbenzyloxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzyl(1-oxopropoxy)methoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzyl(1-oxo-propoxy)phosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 44. A method of treating a compulsive disorder, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to a patient in need thereof.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the prodrug is administered in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent.
 46. The method of claim 44, wherein the compulsive disorder is selected from the group consisting of drug dependence, eating disorders, pathological gambling, attention deficit disorder (ADD) and Tourette's syndrome.
 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the drug dependence is alcohol dependence.
 48. The method of claim 46, wherein the drug dependence is nicotine dependence.
 49. The method of claim 44, wherein the NAALADase inhibitor is a glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅; R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein X is CH₂.
 51. The method of claim 50, wherein R₂ is substituted with carboxy.
 52. The method of claim 51, wherein: R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl; and R₂ is C₁-C₂ alkyl.
 53. The method of claim 52, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is selected from the group consisting of: 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid; 2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid; 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminomethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminoethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminopropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof.
 55. The method of claim 44, wherein the prodrug is a compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O; R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo; Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 56. The method of claim 55, wherein: R₄ is hydrogen; and R₃ is substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, and benzyloxy.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the prodrug is selected from the group consisting of: 2-[(benzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylbenzyloxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzyl(1-oxopropoxy)methoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzyl(1-oxo-propoxy)phosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 58. A method of treating a prostate disease in an animal, comprising administering an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor to said animal.
 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the prodrug is administered in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent.
 60. The method of claim 58, wherein said prostate disease is prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
 61. The method of claim 58, wherein the NAALADase inhibitor is a glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅; R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein X is CH₂.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein R₂ is substituted with carboxy.
 64. The method of claim 63, wherein: R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl; and R₂ is C₁-C₂ alkyl.
 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is selected from the group consisting of: 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid; 2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid; 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminomethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminoethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminopropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 66. The method of claim 65, wherein the glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative is 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof.
 67. The method of claim 58, wherein the prodrug is a compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O; R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅ -C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo; Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 68. The method of claim 67, wherein: R₄ is hydrogen; and R₃ is substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, and benzyloxy.
 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the prodrug is selected from the group consisting of: 2-[(benzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylbenzyloxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzyl(1-oxopropoxy )methoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentane dioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzyl(1-oxo-propoxy)phosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 70. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of a prodrug of a NAALADase inhibitor; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 71. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 70, wherein the NAALADase inhibitor is a compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₃R₄, O or NR₅; R₁ and R₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, hydroxy and Ar, wherein said R₁ and R₅ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar, and halo; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar, provided that R₂ is —(CH₂)₂CO₂H when X is CR₃R₄; Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 72. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 71, wherein X is CH₂.
 73. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 72, wherein R₂ is substituted with carboxy.
 74. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 73, wherein: R₁ is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₄ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, benzyl or phenyl, wherein said R₁ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, C₂-C₄ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, benzyl, and phenyl; and R₂ is C₁-C₂ alkyl.
 75. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 74, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid; [2-(phosphonomethyl)succinic acid;] 2-[[(2-carboxyethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[((hydroxy)phenylmethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(butylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(3-phenylpropylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(methylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(phenylethylhydroxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(2-fluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(phenylprop-2-enyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminomethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminoethyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[[(aminopropyl)hydroxyphosphinyl]methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 76. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 75, wherein the compound is 2-(phosphonomethyl)pentanedioic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof.
 77. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 70, wherein the prodrug is a compound of formula II

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, wherein: X is CR₅R₆, NR₇ or O; R₁ and R₇ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₁ and R₇ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₉ alkoxy, C₂-C₉ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₂ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl and Ar₁, wherein said R₂ is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂, provided that R₂ is —(CH₂)₂CO₂H when X is CR₅R₆; R₃ and R₄ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, carboxy, C₁-C₉ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₉ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅‥C₇ cycloalkenyl, and Ar₁, provided that both R₃ and R₄ are not hydrogen; wherein said R₃ and R₄ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, amino, and Ar₂; R₅ and R₆ are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₇ cycloalkenyl, Ar₁, and halo; Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently selected from the group consisting of 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 2-indolyl, 3-indolyl, 4-indolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, benzyl and phenyl, wherein said Ar₁ and Ar₂ are independently unsubstituted or substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, C₁-C₆ straight or branched chain alkyl, C₂-C₆ straight or branched chain alkenyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, benzyloxy, and amino.
 78. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 77, wherein: R₄ is hydrogen; and R₃ is substituted with one or more substituent(s) independently selected from the group consisting of carboxy, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₂-C₆ alkenyloxy, phenoxy, and benzyloxy.
 79. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 78, wherein the prodrug is selected from the group consisting of: 2-[(benzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzylbenzyloxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(benzyl(1-oxopropoxy)methoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylmethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylpropoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzylacetoxyphosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; 2-[(pentafluorobenzyl(1-oxo-propoxy)phosphinyl)methyl]pentanedioic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof.
 80. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 70, wherein the amount of the prodrug is effective for treating a glutamate abnormality in an animal.
 81. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 70, wherein the amount of the prodrug is effective for effecting a neuronal activity in an animal.
 82. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 70, wherein the amount of the prodrug is effective for treating a compulsive disorder in an animal.
 83. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 70, wherein the amount of the prodrug is effective for treating a prostate disease in an animal.
 84. A prodrug of a glutamate-derived hydroxyphosphinyl derivative.
 85. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: (i) an effective amount of the prodrug of claim 84; and (ii) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 